Cheshire's records are located in this small centre, just south of the centre of Chester, not far…read morefrom the new visitor centre. Housed in a refurbished warehouse, Chester's mediaeval walls are just a stone's throw away, adding to the sense of history. The Centre has all the familiar contents: Census returns from 1841 onwards, parish records from churches within both the present and traditional boundaries of Cheshire (eg so it includes modern Warrington), as well as an extensive archive of general records from this historic County. Access to the records requires a CARN (County Archive Research Network) card: if you don't have one, bring along a photo driving licence. Most of the older records are on microfilm, and they'll show you how to find the records and use the film-readers if you need help. There are lockers to store any bags and clothes: only paperwork is allowed in, and must be kept in a clear plastic bag, (presumably so you don't steal anything!) and you may use only pencils inside. You are advised to book film readers a day or two in advance. There is a small hot-drinks machine in the locker room, and a free water cooler. There is limited parking on site, but the town centre - and the large multi-storey behind the slightly sad 'Shopping Mall' on Pepper Street - are only five minutes' walk away. The railway station is on the other side of town: insider's tip: take the free bus link from the station forecourt into the centre, and then walk for about ten minutes along the line of old wall, towards the river and Duke Street. We found the staff to be very helpful and friendly, and enjoyed our day there, although we didn't find everything we were looking for. It looks like a return trip will be needed!

This is the best library I found in Chester. I've now been a member for about 6 years. The Book…read moreClub (for adults) is excellent. Members of it discuss the book, (not their children or where they've been on holiday). The staff are helpful and friendly. The nearby bus stops are the No.7 and 8A.

Another great little library.situated next to the shops on green lane.Friendly helpfull staff.read more

Chester Library is spread over three floors, the ground floor holds all of the fiction along with…read morethe DVDs and computer games, the lower floor houses the children's books and reference and the top floor has computer access (which you have to queue for) more reference and newspapers. The staff are friendly and helpful although there can be quite long queues at peak times as there isnt much room for lots of servers at the counter. The book selection is ok although I have found that a lot of the books I would like to borrow are stored at the central warehouse and would require a 75p charge to order them. I think the libary could arrange stock rotation more frequently. They do have some shelves of recently returned and popular fiction which is the best way to find a decent book quickly or discover a title you didnt know existed. The DVDs and games are expensive to borrow, well at least as compared to the books. The online renewal system works very well so if you are a slow reader or if yo like to borrow several titles in one go then this saves you a journey as you can log on and reserve and renew books from anywhere with an internet connection.

Chester library not only loans out books, but you can also get DVD box sets on loan for a small fee…read more- cheaper than Blockbuster. They also have a loyalty scheme, after borrowing a set number of DVDs you get a loan for free. The library is well stocked and the different sections are clearly marked.

I spent the majority of my degree inside these walls, (or so I'd have my tutors believe) and…read morealthough I loathed it, I did grow to feel affectionately towards it. So, the facts... It's been recently refurbished and had a good £20 million spent on it! There are seats for 600 readers and approx. 420 computers (not that you'd think it around exam time...good luck getting a PC unless you're early, that's all I'm saying!) They have loads of bookable private study rooms so that you won't be disturbed and a cafe downstairs to refuel and re-energise with a coffee. The staff are really friendly and exceptionally helpful. The special collections are amazing, have to use gloves to see the first editions and the have some real gems hidden away down there. The stacks down in the basement are rather scary I'm always scared that someone has followed me down and is going to wheel the shelves back together when I'm inside...luckily I'm still here! It's a great environment to study and they also have couches out in the more social and non-silent areas so that you can have group discussions or just a well-earned gossip with a mate! There must be more books than anyone can read in a lifetime in here, but so many great critical works. Get in on the best library for the Arts Ever.* *Possible exaggeration, but I love it! (Yes, I'm a bit of a geek.)

Having spent much of my degree time using the Harold Cohen Library, it was only in the last year or…read moreso, I began to use more of the Sydney Jones Library. Firstly, this was because the Sydney Jones wasn't suited for my subject course and secondly it was located further away from my department. Nevertheless, I preferred the Sydney Jones to the Harold Cohen as it was more spacious and more recently renovated and expanded, now even hosting a cafe. I liked their new computer suites in particular since there wasn't that crammed feel about it compared to the Harold Cohen. Plus, there are comfy sofas available to sit back and relax during a stressful day, usually with a friend or two. I miss it now! Full marks for Sydney Jones; the expansion of the library is really impressive.

This local library is always an enjoyable trip to visit with my children…read more The children's section is well stocked with many popular kids titles. There are also children's dvd's which can be loaned for a week. There are several computer's if you wish you to gain access to the internet. The staff are helpful and friendly and its a pleasant atmosphere.

I spent many a happy hour here as a child, being as I was, OBSESSED with reading 7 books a week…read more Not sure what happened to me. Probably because I only read boring economics tomes now I've been jaded. I must return and pay my fines sometime.

Widnes Library has a wide range of current, relevant books on offer. Seating is plentiful, and it…read morehas a café which sells cheap tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and food, overlooking an LCD TV. There are crêche facilities avaliable, and regular tuition groups in spanish, guitar and other skills. The childrens library is large, and it is designed specifically for children in mind, with a lots of books, toys and a relevant colour scheme. There are computers on the top and bottom floor, each with a relatively uncensored access to the internet.

What a beautiful old building; up the steps and inside it's a little musty and only a small room,…read morebut nevertheless it's dedicated to books of all genres. I noted the main sections were seemingly quite fitting to village life, from hobbies, to cookery and gardening. Anyone a fan of Delia? She features here plenty. They also had a great little history section and the fiction wound it's way around the outside of the room- lots of choice here but if you're a frequent visitor and a fast reader you may need to travel further afield to find something new!

Helpful staff and good selection of books! old building with lots of history and great information…read moreof the history of woolton

What an amazing and historic landmark! I would recommend anyone tour through the Library. The…read morearchitecture is beautiful and the rare manuscripts and artifacts they house are incredible. They are having a special display of one of Shakespeare's plays, one of the oldest New Testaments, even artifacts from King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They will all be on display which will be quite amazing to see. This is a must see in Manchester! Truly amazing how it has stood the test of time.

Love spending time in libraries while on holiday (vacation) Stunning late-Victorian neo-Gothic…read morelibrary , John Rylands Library opened at the turn of the 20th century and is a gorgeous remnant of Manchester. Potter-heads would appreciate the look and feel inside the library is inspired the design for Hogwarts. I'm not sure if the Factory Records exhibit is still on display, but I'm a huge fan of Factory Records bands (ie. New Order, Joy Division, Happy Mondays etc.) and bands that came out of Manchester, the Smiths, James, Buzzcocks, The Fall to name few. It was an experience seeing original handwritten lyrics, instruments played, old punk zines, photos and badges on display.

Big library with just as big a reference section and two banks of PCs for public use. You have to…read morehave a library card but this is free and so is accessing the PCs. Just need some ID to get the card. A great resource in a good central location. Also has a cafe :)

This is an excellent library. Obviously it has an enormous selection of books, but also they hold…read moreexhibitions which are very interesting. Usually art exhibitions. They also have some computer terminals upstairs you can book time on. Also they hold microfiche for family history researchers. You book your time on a fiche reader and there are desks provided for you to use. They hold parish records and census records. There is also a cafe as part of the complex which is really good. The food is excellent and a lot of it is home made. They also do homemade desserts - like lemon meringue pie - to die for! Their salads are also brilliant - I've never seen so much food in a salad - not much good if you're on a diet!