Topping & Co is pretty much the ideal bookshop for this new frame of mind. Set in a beautiful…read moreformer Quaker meeting house, just round the corner from Bath Abbey. it is literally the stuff of book-lovers' dreams. Gorgeous shelf ladders, carefully curated displays, and a really friendly atmosphere, coupled with a quirky building and fabulous views. There's a wonderful gallery/walkway and a huge basement, so the whole place is surprisingly big. We visited just after Christmas, which only added to its charm. Topping and Company Booksellers, in the beautiful and quintessentially English city of Bath, have many different incarnations. We bought one book, had a cup of coffee, did chit chat with the owner/staff, and then proceeded to the other stop

The most adorable bookstore. I wish I had more time to browse before returning to my tour bus. Only…read moredownside is that it is a little bit cramped at times.

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!

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.

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.

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.

What always strikes me about this library is the huge selection of foreign language books,…read moremagazines and newspapers on offer. Excellent because Fishponds is such an ethnically diverse area of the city. It's a small pink building but better than a standard library due to its proximity to UWE and several schools - they upped the intellectual content when they stocked the shelves I reckon. Spoken word CDs, braille, internet connection and an outstanding reference section. What I also find lovely in this day and age (at the risk of sounding like my nan) is the community feel of the place. They have parent-toddler mornings, coffee mornings, book groups, help and advice and so much more. Like a community centre more than a place just to borrow books. For those with an aversion to books and printed matter, they run a whole list of computer courses and you can hire a top DVD for as little as a quid.

Such a gorgeous pink building, and a very well-stocked library. Staff are helpful and you can call…read morebooks in from other libraries in Bristol to here if you find it on their list. They have a few computers with internet connection for a reasonable charge - although one time I was sat next to a man scanning and uploading something to a Reader's Wives website. I kid you not.

Bath isn't exactly short on bookshops, but Waterstone's is by far the best chained bookshop there…read moreis. This branch on Milsom Street is well stocked with best sellers as well as the staff's personal favourites (which I think is a nice touch). The staff are knowledgable, hard working and helpful for those who can't find the book of their choice. Being a part of the Waterstone's branch means they get some big literary names come to do book signings here (only recently I've seen Dave Gorman and Stephen Fry). Unlike many of the independent book shops, Waterstone's are also able to sell their books at discounted prices so it's a good place for a bargain. Not as interesting or enjoyable as Mr B's Emporium or Topping & Co but a useful place to buy a cheap book for a long journey.

Waterstones is apparently a bookstore chain in the UK and Ireland. This store in Bath is really…read morenice. Lots of room (that is, not too cramped), very bright and airy, and comfortable chairs to sit in as you leaf through a book prior to purchase. In addition to books there are board games, small gifts, notebooks, and other items you may need for your personal library.

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.