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!

During the summer months this place is only good for socialising, and collecting books. The ever…read moregrowing heat outside is brought inside by all the bodies which turns the top two floors into a sauna. The library supplies all the books that a student may need, provided you get there 2 weeks before any essay that you may need to get in. As a rule the people that work there are really nice, except the guys that come round and lock up, they are a bit arsey. The re-vamped downstairs is great and i am a big fan of the sofas etc.

The university library is the library for students and academics. Lots of rules and regulations and…read moreit is easy to build up a fine. I once forgot I had a short loan book for a week and had to pay back £30. oops. There is a good selection of books and all the core textbooks for any course can be found here. The only problem is that there is usually only one copy of each book. Fine during the term when nobody does any work but once essay deadlines start looming, you need to be quick and think ahead in order to even sneak a peek at course books. The staff are friendly and always able to help with any computer or library related trouble. The computer room is fairly small so isn't much use during term time. The library hours are great - opening at 7 am and closing at midnight. This means there really is no excuse not to do your homework!

This is my local when it comes to libraries. It can be found on Whiteladies Road, just up from the…read moreClifton Down Shopping Centre and Railway Station. The selection of books is OK, it's pretty full, but the premises is pretty small, so you're better thinking you'll take out what you find rather than specifically looking for something. Having said that, you can always order books from other libraries in the area. This library also has a small computer section of around eight computers, which are usually not too busy. Be prepared to wait up to half an hour though. The staff are all really friendly and helpful and will explain how to use the resources on offer. If you're looking for something specific however, you're probably better off going to central library.

This is a great little public library, conveniently placed on Whiteladies for everyone who lives at…read morethis end of town. Being that it's not the largest library around (that being Bristol Central Library, on College Green) it obviously can't store a huge amount of books, even though I can occasionally be found in their graphic novel section, going through the old Judge Dread comics that remind me of being 11...anyway what was I saying...Oh yes, the best thing about this library is that they have internet access and printers, so if you're like me and your printer never has any ink in it, you can pop in and print documents for 10 pence a page. The computers do occasionally get booked up, but I have never had to wait too long to use one. Just make sure you take proof of address and some ID if you are not a library member.

This part of Clifton is called Clifton Village and the library here does feel like a village…read moreaffair. It's hushed inside, with a few OAPs reading today's newspaper at some of the desks. Innovations away from the traditional library so far stand at a photocopier - they've kep it it simple here. The village feel is enhanced by the small size of the place - there can't be more than 30 yards of book cases in the whole place and the range on offer isn't fantastic. That's not a problem in my opinion to be honest. I'll bring my own books up here just for the quiet here. It's on a busy high street, and simply by setting the building back the Victorian (I think) designer has ensured that none of the business gets in. Come here especially when the slighly ridiculous Clifton café culture gets too much and you want somewhere slightly saner, and without the blast of the coffee machine. Clifton library is an uncluttered community space which feels blissfully old fashioned.

Stepping into this library is akin to stepping into a time warp; old and murky, its Victorian…read morecharacter remains obstinately in tact. Although it is of modest size, the library still has a pretty wide selection of books, a few obligatory computers and, of course, a trusty photocopier. The staff are friendly enough and the place is usually quietly conducive to some silent reading or study time. However, I have witnessed a few excruciatingly noisy mornings here, whereby the venue undergoes a seeming metamorphosis into a crèche. As you can imagine, a group of screaming toddlers in a small space designed for studious pursuits does not bode well. If you have a high tolerance threshold, it's worth a visit...

This library has just had a complete refit (2008) and is kiited out with a couple of PC's for…read moreinternet browsing. The kids section is particualry strong although finding a particular kids book is a nightmare (as always in liabriares). It's probaly the best 'small' library in North Bristol

Just across the road from Waitrose, those in the know might sneakily use the library's car park for…read morea quick spot of shopping at busy periods, before making use of the library. I have many a memory of coming here when I was younger, as I went to school just up the road, and it's always struck as a pretty well stocked place. Their children's section is particularly strong, with further prominent sections on history and crafts. They've recently had a complete refit and modernised the interior, which has given it a brighter and more lively feeling. I've always felt it's little bit lowly lit though, due mainly to only a few windows whose light is obscured by trees, but it's always been appropriately peaceful and staff helpful and accommodating.

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.

Located above Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle, this library is curiously placed. Unless you're…read moremega observant, or had done a bit of library research prior to your outing, it's unlikely you'd acknowledge Knowle Library's existence whilst shopping in the area. Needless to say, this is one of the quietest libraries I've had the pleasure to experience in Bristol. Although the obligatory (and oh so annoying) children's story times still operate here on certain mornings, the place is otherwise a peaceful study haven. The usual array of computers are available for use here, and DVD's can be hired for a pound. The library also owns an exhibition space which it can let out to customers. As for books, here you will find an extensive range for all ages and interests.

This centre is modern, very spacious and has a very calm atmosphere. The small library is based on…read morethe ground floor as is the halal café which offers breakfasts and main meals to eat in or take away at very reasonable prices. They also have a crèche which offers a story time for kids programme in the library. There is a total of 3 floors housing large and small meeting rooms, training rooms, art rooms, a photography room and a music technology room. Courses run there include pottery, jewellery making, stained glass, dance, and samba reggae. The building is bright, warm and spotlessly clean although I would like to see more artwork on the walls to bring some more character to the place.