The library is half the size it used to be from when I was a kid, possibly only 35-40% of its…read moreoriginal size. Staff here were very helpful such as Sue and Hazel who recently retired. A retrograde step has been having managers rotating through the Surrey Library service. Previously each library had its own dedicated manager so they were very much part of the community such as the aforementioned Sue. Opening hours are difficult for working families where previously they used to open till 8pm on a Tuesday night. I'm not sure if they still have story time aimed at younger library users.

Everyday the library works hard to keep you and your private information safe and secure by…read morepreventing unauthorized access to your personal profile. Why would you want be anywhere else? Today, I visit the library to observe the events seminar, however, it isn't ready. Such is life!

I came here on a whim in search of a good place to bunker down and get some work done. I am not a…read moremember of this library but they have a good selection of books, movies, and CDs that I was impressed by...it made me want to join the library membership program. There were very large tables on the second floor that had plenty of space to spread out your stuff. The room was fairly quiet and there was a variety of open seats and tables. The room got a good deal of light and the courtyard outside is very beautiful. I would definitely recommend checking out this place.

I can't remember the last time I set foot into a library. But today seemed like a good day for…read morereading so when I found my nearest book repository wasn't far off (and open today) I figured I'd go have a nosey. Obtaining a library card was pretty easy. I gazed at the librarian's massively Sellotaped glasses whilst she reviewed my bank statement (proof of address) and typed my details into a prehistoric desktop computer. A few minutes later I had my card and began browsing. Amidst the folks sleeping in armchairs and studying at tables I spotted a small but surprising selection of titles. Overall though, the goods here are a little thin. Also, the Holborn Library could really do with some good curation. Besides the new arrivals shelf, most of the rest of the selection seemed a bit haphazardly placed. The building itself is rather depressing, is in need of a proper tidy, and most of the patrons do little to improve the atmosphere with their mostly down trodden stares. I ended up borrowing three titles and was amazed at how far technology has come: I was able to check my own books out with a simple swipe of my card. The self check-out bit might be Holborn Library's most redeeming quality.

I used to like studying in this library because it is relatively quiet...as the kid section is…read moreaway, in the basement of the library. However they recently moved the tables around such that it is now impossible to plug my laptop. Toilets are in the basement and very stinky.

This library isnt as big as hornsey library but just as good. It has one floor but is still split…read moreinto certain sections. It is more of a family library. There are different events at weekends such as, designing cards, coffee mornings, get togethers and things like that. This library is just down the same road as me which makes it reachable. It has easy wheelchair access and is a great place to socialize. They sell DVDs, Cds and videos too. There are things for babies to like singing nursery rhymes. There are computers for children and adults. This library is great.

The building may not be ancient but the treasures inside will keep you engaged for hours…read more Explore the various museum room and see if you're allowed to see some of the really old volumes. Rest in the cafe or sit and read a while in a chair or desk on the upper floors. Stroll the exterior and see the huge line that sometimes forms at (I guess) opening times? Enjoy the special kids programs at many times, and celebrate the love of reading young and old.

As a history buff, avid reader, and past library fundraiser, there is no way I could skip a visit…read moreto the British Library. We enjoyed roaming the floors during an unexpected rain shower, and enjoyed all the historical tomes exhibited here. We did not sign up for cards, and therefor did not get to explore the rooms or stacks, but we did enjoy our walk around. During college (as a history major), it was frequently joked that you haven't really researched in a library if you haven't wound up making out in the stacks... well, after a day of research, I enjoyed some fun pictures and 'making out' with my husband, making this a thoroughly educational stop in our London adventure.

The Charing Cross Library is on the intersection between Covent Garden, Chinatown and Trafalgar…read moreSquare. It is part of the borough of Westminster and so open its residents, though you can request books for other libraries. The entrance to the building is quite discreet. The library itself is arranged across two floors. On the ground floor are books and DVDs. On the first floor are more books and the computers. The library has a decent fiction section and is notable for its large selection of Chinese language books. Charing Cross library is a small place but does a good job in trying to serve the interests of its community. It is worth visiting, particularly if you are looking for a Chinese language reading book.

This is my local library at work. What distinguishes this library from others is that it stocks a…read morehuge selection of books in Chinese. It also has a lot of manga/comic books, although these are in English and not in Chinese (unfortunately for me, because I am used to reading them in Chinese! Japanese translates better into Chinese than English!) There are two floors, a good selection of books, and they even sort the books into newly arrived, books you should read etc. near the door which I appreciate very much when I am just browsing for a new author. There are computer desks upstairs for use, and mainly reference books and language books there. Stocked downstairs are the Chinese books, Sci Fi/Fantasy/Crime and Children's books. The staff are quite nice and helpful in general, some staff can speak Chinese, of which I'm sure the Chinese community are very appreciative. The book reservation service is also very efficient. They sort it by name and stack the reserved books on a shelf so you can use the self check-out to borrow books. Yes, they have state of the art machines there, doesn't that make you just want to come and visit?

This Library is in desperate need of some TLC (Tender Loving Care)!…read more The building itself is fantastic, it's famous amongst people that live near it, and if they were to ever convert it or knock it down there would be uproar. Inside you have computer and internet access (as most libraries do these days) and obviously Books and some CDs etc. The collection of books is poor. An example of this is that the most recent computer book they had there as How to use Windows 2000. This is most probably due to the local Idea Store (Canary Wharf) being given prority. The staff are really friendly and are experts on the world of books, they'll be more than happy to help you find something. You need a membership to borrow books, but it only takes around five minutes to fill in the form!

This library is a modern take on the word as books seem to be a sideline!…read more Although the traditional building (a Carnegie library) still stands in the High Street, the entrance to it is now in the modern extention off the ajacent square. There are banks of computers and a large audio and dvd lending section, a small lending library which comprises mainly of fiction. The reference section is on the first floor (there is a lift) and is TINY!!! There are toilets and good disabled access.

The redevelopment of this library has transformed it into a more modern, bright better atmosphere…read moreas I remember the old one being more dark and gloomy. As this is the nearest library I have studied here many times and found that younger people are starting to study there. They have wireless internet access and a computer room as well as a large children's section which they hold events in sometimes. There are three different sections containing adult's books and 2 floors (ground and 1st floor). They also have a visual/audio section from which you can borrow DVDs and audio tapes. Overall the new library is a nice improvement!