It is impossible to speak to a person since they have locked out all possibilities of speaking to…read moreanyone in the automated system. What they fail to understand is that sometimes you may actually need to if you are unable to visit the store or renew online or over the phone for whatever reason. This also does not help older people. I'm all in favour of using technology in all aspects of life but you need to have a backup and the ability to speak to someone when it's required. It seems staff also favour the approach I mention but Idea Store management and the council are hell bent on continuing this ridiculous and unreasonable policy of no human contact. The services at the branch are actually very good, my poor rating is to ensure that management wake up and see this.

Like the other IDEA STORES (read: libraries that have been branded as stores with funky colors and…read moreplastic bags for carrying your purchases...I mean books) but this one's got more suits and a few more couches. I dig the Learning Labs here, because they're a bit quieter (less kids in the Wharf) and the Internet connection is decent....although not as stellar as the Starbucks connection a few yards away. Go, read, learn, and ideate your brain out here.

A magnificent and historic library - a wonderful place for scholars and other bookish people.read more

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 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.

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!

Awesome I genuinely love working with bookstores and…read moreauthors. There's something special about spaces filled with stories, creativity, and people who truly appreciate books. Even when bookstores are crowded and full of energy, they still carry that classic charm that reminds you of how real bookstores used to feel before everything became generic. Helping bookstores and authors grow through authentic promotion and marketing is something I truly enjoy because every book deserves the right audience and visibility.

Beautiful and charming old bookstore! Three floors with lots of books! Friendly staff! Love…read morevisiting this bookstore!

I have been an active member of Highgate Library since January 1991…read more And that was when, Margaret Thatcher was still the British Prime Minister. I only live around the corner from this Camden library branch, which is Holly Lodge. And even up to this day, I will always use the services at Highgate Library, for hiring out DVDs, PC printing and the photo copy machine. And I even reserve books and DVD from Highgate Library. Highgate Library is literally right next door to Highgate Cemetery, the place of Karl Marx's tomb.

Canning twn library can be found on the very busy barking road canning town…read more Open 5 days a week from 9.30am till 5.30pm excluding thursday as its open till 8pm. Closed wednesday and sunday. Accessibility-disabled access. Public transport -many bus routes avaliable Trains-canning train station They have a huge selection on offer ,newspapers and magazines,books,audio books and a large selection of novels. They also have on offer not only books in english but books in foreign languages too. Free internet access,printing and photocopying. Also a lot avaliable for disabled kids and adults, ICT disability suite including wheelchair-accessible desks. They also have alot of clubs during the day and evening which include a homework club. Great plce to go and chill out and study as its very quiet and relaxing.

I haven't been a member of a library for quite sometime, and I managed to forget the incredible…read moreamount of free things that comes with being one. I have frequented Hackney Library ever since becoming a member a few months ago. First of all, free films!!! Amazing!! The only problem is that the collection of decent films will only keep you going for a couple of months. The library is probably the only interaction I have with c.d.'s in this technological age. They are free to hire and there is actually some really good stuff. If the c.d.'s and books have not been there for a certain amount of time then you have to pay a small amount to hire them. The book collection is huge and diverse, and the abundance of computers are free to use. There is also scanning and printing available. I can't believe I neglected the library for so many years.

I remember when this library was nothing special, but since they done up the building, this is…read morereally a nice and modern library. Almost feels like a book store. They have a great selection of books and an impressive selection of DVDs to rent. This may no longer be my local area, but I still have my Hackney library card!

A wonderful library space with a lot of useful books, in multiple languages as well (e.g Mandarin…read morefor example). It is worth getting a library card or coming for a visit just to check out the books or work in the space - it's the same building / door right next to the one to Canada Water station. It's right across from the mini lake by the station, so has pretty views. Sometimes there are children's events on the first floor of the library which involve singing and shouting, hard to concentrate in the rest of the library when that occurs. Three stars is mostly because the internet is unusable. It's unfortunate because otherwise the library would be a perfect space to work. The WiFi is unsecured but requires a pop up log in page to access. In the case you are able to get the log in page to load and enter your library card password log in after 30 minutes of waiting, you'll probably promptly get dropped off of it. There are various coffee shops and restaurants in London capable of hosting a WiFi connection that works for the same amount if not more people, why not this library?

The new Canada Water Library is amazing! Especially from the outside! My hubby and I think it looks…read morelike a Sand Crawler out of Star Wars, which gives it a big tick in our book and we hadn't even been inside yet! I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't a bigger fanfare about it opening (opened in November), but that might be because I don't read the local news! This library is really convenient, being right next to the tube station. It's also very well designed, with a coffee shop on the ground floor and some conference rooms/meeting rooms that can be rented out. The library seems to have a big range of books and it all feels very informal. On the upper floor, they have the special interest books, study areas and a lounging area with a great view of the pond. It's also a self-service library (like the Idea Stores in Tower Hamlets), which means (hooray!) no queuing! The variety of books seems wider than Idea Stores, which already appeals to me. I'm really happy to have a library which is so close to where I live!

Lovely old library with high ceilings, wooden panelling and a whole lot of character. The book…read moreselection is also broad and the librarians very helpful. The wifi was down when I went unfortunately but it seems it would be a good place to get a bit of work done so I reckon I'll be back soon! More books for your noggin'! c*

Beautiful building, but every time I go there more of it has closed and there are hardly any books…read moreleft now. There's also no photocopier, only five computers for adults and another five only for children only, which are unused even when there are several people waiting to use the adult ones. Staff are unhelpful.