I have walked by this building a couple times and for some reason I thought it was a theatre, but…read morediscovered I was completely wrong and it was a library. It was raining outside and I was looking for a place to duck in. I tried to look in the window to see what seating was like when I noticed that they had some souvenirs for purchase... including some items with the Magic Roundabout on it. I went in and there was quite a bit going on. It looked like there were a couple groups in and there were lots of people wandering the collection. I didn't get the chance to go upstairs, but it looks like they have quite a large collection and they have interlibrary loan (I overheard a librarian talking with a patron). There are computers around the wall of the library so people can use the internet or look up books. To the left of the entrance, there is the Tourist Information desk including a large collection of brochures and magazines for tourists for each part of the UK. There was a local section as well. Of course they had the selection of souvenirs that I saw from the outside... Swindon Monopoly, t-shirts, key chains, and coffee mugs with the Magic Roundabout, post cards, and various items for children. It is a lovely facility and seems to be well used by the public!

This is a brand new facility that has just opened in Swindon…read more The library is spread over three levels and is spacious with a cafe and loads of computers for internet access. This library has a very good selection of books on all topics and the staff are very helpful. Was worth the wait.

The Bodleian Library is the main library for Oxford University. It is the second largest libray in…read moreEngland - second only to the British Library. Unfortunately it is is closed on Sunday which was our only day in Oxford. Consequently we weren't able to see the inside or take a tour of the library and got to see the exterior only. The architecture is magnificant and even the exterior is worth seeing.

What an amazing experience! We had a tour of the Bodleian Libraries, and it was by far the…read morehighlight of our trip to Oxford. The rich history of the library was captivating, and the stunning architecture of the buildings was not to miss. Natasha, our tour guide, was an absolute gem! She guided us through the majestic halls and took us behind the scenes, explaining the lavish history along the way, always with a warm smile. Her enthusiasm for the library was palpable, and her extensive knowledge made the tour even more fascinating. One of the highlights was seeing the Duke Humfrey's library. Such a beautiful and historic building with crests of the University of Oxford covering the ceiling, and Kings, Queens, and Bishops along the aisles. The Radcliffe Camera and The Divinity Schools were not to miss as well. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Oxford.

This is quite a large modern-looking library situated above the Podium shopping centre in Bath…read more The library is in an attractive Bath Stone Building with large plate glass windows. The library also hosts events, for example local authors visiting to talk about their latest novels.

I've been disappointed with the choice of books here on a number of occasions. The study area is…read moregood but it's used by so many loud students that it makes it difficult to work here. The staff deal with it, but the students keep up their behaviour. It's frustrating. Lots of space and not many books. I hope they get lots of funding! I really like the staff here. :D I love the online renewal system.

Bristol's biggest library, though that doesn't mean its huge, has all you would expect. They've got…read morebanks of computers (that get filled up with students from City of Bristol college), obscure local archives, and a comprehensive fiction section. Unexpected bonuses include a wonderful room for working in upstairs, with rows of wooden desks. Silence reigns in this part of the library, and if you need somewhere quiet to get some reading done in the middle of the city, you can go here without having to buy a cup of coffee. They also have a good sheet music section, and a range of CDs and DVDs on offer - no need to go and pay at Blockbusters. A say 'in this part of the library' because its not necessarily the quietest of places. Keen on enticing the entire community, the kids section usually has a toddler screaming. I don't say this critically, libraries are better places when they're a bit lively, but bear this in mind when visiting. There's plenty to choose from here, and they have a catalogue that links up to the rest of the area, so they can order stuff in for you. If you visit for the first time remember to take along a utility bill so they can let you borrow. Bristol Central Library offers everything you'd expect and a few things you wouldn't in a friendly, convivial setting.

The central library is located next to the cathedral on college green and has an extensive…read morecollection of information in a variety of sources. The downstairs houses most of the non fiction material, and also has a small cafe/eating area, where you are also allowed to eat your own food. Upstairs is the reference section and main computer hub. Make sure you book an computer from the host one or you won't be able to log in. The library is pretty large, but just accommodates the amount of people it is required to, and can get pretty busy during the day - I too have been one of those printing out CVs and clogging up the photocopier. The staff here are really friendly and accommodating - they'll help you find exactly what you need to. Don't be afraid to ask!

I hadn't been to a library in a long time when I went to Trowbridge Library to enrol. I found the…read morestaff extremely helpful and courteous, happy to spend time with you and help you find what you need. The enrolment process was very easy just needed a bill with your name and address and driving license I think and they sign you up there and then. It's not a huge place but they have a good selection of books and also they have a reference library a hundred metres away that you can use. As well as books the library also has dvd's, videos and cd's which you can rent for a week or overnight the books you can take out for 3 weeks and you can renew online up to twice which is really handy. Also, they have an electronic system of checking items out which saves time.

A good, well stocked central library. Has a reference section with many current UK and…read moreInternational newspapers and journals, all up to date. Has a number of drop-in 15minute computers as well as about 8, 1 hour internet access computers that you have to sit and wait for until someone finishes. If your in Oxford and need internet access its worth popping in. The usual array of books, photocopying, fax,audio/video and reference materials that youd expect from main city library.

This was my childhood haunt and now I am back 20 years later and it's almost exactly the same (the…read morechildren's library has shrunk though, surely? or am I just taller?). Friendly and efficient reception staff got me registered and carded in a flash and off I was browsing the shelves. Fiction is good, and the music library rivals the Westminster Music Library (the UK gold standard I think) but not a massive number of non-fiction books in each category. Still, if you're after a specialist subject you'll probably be going to a specialist library, won't you?

I have been a member of Newport library for a number of years and highly recommend people…read morejoining,not only is it free to join but you can rent out the usual books as well as DVDs and Cd's.They have several computers upstairs and you can use these for free,you sometimes have to wait but you can pre book in advance then stay online for up to two hours. The library staff are very nice and will kindly help with anything you need,including finding books,joining,late fees etc. There are some really comfortable sofas in the library which you can sit down and relax whilst reading the newspaper or a good book. In today's hard times joining a library is a good way to save money and Newport is one of the best.

Very friendly staff helped me join the library, which I'm permitted to do because I have a local…read moreaddress and brought my water bill. Very nice selection of books and other materials. There's also a good sized children's area and they have a weekly "storytime" at this branch and others. The 'toy library' is an interesting idea I haven't seen at other libraries. Books are, of course, free. The library's selection of audiovisual materals, including videos and DVD's are not. For these, there is a lending charge of £1.60 for the former and £2.60 for the latter. The library offers quite a few activities and services for adults as well, including author events (a local 'action' author was being advertised while I was there), coffee mornings and a number of book groups. The library's computers are free to use and the welcome packet mentions that they can arrange free delivery for those who might be house-bound. I was able to quickly find two books that interested me - the Science Fiction section is medium size and the regular Fiction looks good too.

Reading central library is a great credit to Reading Borough Council…read more It offers so many services. I will list some of them here: Book loans, music loans,DVD loans, toy loans for children, internet access, newspapers and magazines (to read in the library), job searching, children and parents' sing-along sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the morning. The library is always busy and has something for everyone. When you join Reading library you can have access to all libraries in the Reading area. Also, if you want to borrow an item that isn't in that branch, you can request it from another branch without having to travel to it. They will then email you when it's in stock.

Fantastic library based in the civic centre - easy to access from town. Is absolutely huge, with…read moreamazing selection of books, and I think around 50+ computers with internet access. Has reference library downstairs with rows and rows of desks surrounded by books, directories and so on. Also has wide range of magazines and trade directories that you can look through. Just next door is an art gallery and a cafe which does lovely food in a really attractive environment. It also has a small gift shop where you can buy artist's work from as well as stationery, cards etc.

A good library in town with many books, papers, magazines, cds and films. They have computers that…read moreyou can use to access the internet and there is normally a queue to use these. The library is located inside the civic centre and is quite big on three floors.