A little out of the way of the main shopping area but worth a visit if you're after some good…read morereads! The library is a good size, with over 20 computers with internet access (1 hour free per day to Hertforshire library members). They also stock a large range of magazines (free to hire for 1 week) as well as the usual sections of fiction and non-fiction books, found in all Hertfordshire libraries.

as a child i would come here with my mum and the place had a sense of history and the distinctive…read moresmell of a library. Nowadays people just don't seem to read as much,the library has become a place to source CDs DVDs and to sit on a pc for a few hours.Still it is a place to come for peace and quiet and has a reasonably good selection to offer.

Go here to get a sense of history of London as a major book trading center. Nigel gives great…read morelectures about Fleet Street. I loved being in the press room surrounded by trays of typefaces. The librarian was kind enough to let us page through old hand-set books. There is a reading room with beautiful wallpaper.

I wandered into the St. Bride's Printing Library one afternoon whilst wandering around on my…read morelunchbreak. It's a small building tucked away behind St. Bride's Church and the library covers (according to their website) "printing and related subjects: paper and binding, graphic design and typography, typefaces and calligraphy, illustration and printmaking, publishing and book-selling and the social and economic aspects of the printing, book, newspaper and magazine trades." If I'm honest, these are not the type of books I'm interested in. However, the library offers much more than just books. There are often exhibits featuring original copies of famous books, seminars and lectures, and the most fun of all: Lunchbox Theatre. The theatre specialises in 45 minute plays, starting at 1:00. Perfect for your lunch hour if you're in the area. They recently ran a series of The Canterbury Tales--very rude, but great fun! Tickets are less than £10 and it's always a great show. Be sure to get there on time though, they don't allow latecomers in! This little library is well worth a visit, I highly recommend it for an afternoon outing!

I can't remember the last time I set foot into a library. But today seemed like a good day for…read morereading so when I found my nearest book repository wasn't far off (and open today) I figured I'd go have a nosey. Obtaining a library card was pretty easy. I gazed at the librarian's massively Sellotaped glasses whilst she reviewed my bank statement (proof of address) and typed my details into a prehistoric desktop computer. A few minutes later I had my card and began browsing. Amidst the folks sleeping in armchairs and studying at tables I spotted a small but surprising selection of titles. Overall though, the goods here are a little thin. Also, the Holborn Library could really do with some good curation. Besides the new arrivals shelf, most of the rest of the selection seemed a bit haphazardly placed. The building itself is rather depressing, is in need of a proper tidy, and most of the patrons do little to improve the atmosphere with their mostly down trodden stares. I ended up borrowing three titles and was amazed at how far technology has come: I was able to check my own books out with a simple swipe of my card. The self check-out bit might be Holborn Library's most redeeming quality.

I used to like studying in this library because it is relatively quiet...as the kid section is…read moreaway, in the basement of the library. However they recently moved the tables around such that it is now impossible to plug my laptop. Toilets are in the basement and very stinky.

This library is a modern take on the word as books seem to be a sideline!…read more Although the traditional building (a Carnegie library) still stands in the High Street, the entrance to it is now in the modern extention off the ajacent square. There are banks of computers and a large audio and dvd lending section, a small lending library which comprises mainly of fiction. The reference section is on the first floor (there is a lift) and is TINY!!! There are toilets and good disabled access.

The redevelopment of this library has transformed it into a more modern, bright better atmosphere…read moreas I remember the old one being more dark and gloomy. As this is the nearest library I have studied here many times and found that younger people are starting to study there. They have wireless internet access and a computer room as well as a large children's section which they hold events in sometimes. There are three different sections containing adult's books and 2 floors (ground and 1st floor). They also have a visual/audio section from which you can borrow DVDs and audio tapes. Overall the new library is a nice improvement!

The Carnaby Book Exchange is a space where you can leave a book that you have read, and in return…read moretake one away from the space for free. It is not a library per se, it is more a space where you can think, read, relax, explore and of course be quiet. It is excellent to find such a spot located close to Carnaby Street. That's one of the reasons why London is such a great city!!! Students at London College of Fashion created this project.

I love this quite and relaxed space in the middle of bustling London. Whenever I have to kill some…read moretime before a dinner date or cocktail night I come down here, snatch a book from the shelves, sit down in a comfy chair and read for 10 or 20 min. I've never exchanged a book, as I now carry a kindle but I love that I have the chance to read into other books and see if I like it.

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!

Everyday the library works hard to keep you and your private information safe and secure by…read morepreventing unauthorized access to your personal profile. Why would you want be anywhere else? Today, I visit the library to observe the events seminar, however, it isn't ready. Such is life!

I came here on a whim in search of a good place to bunker down and get some work done. I am not a…read moremember of this library but they have a good selection of books, movies, and CDs that I was impressed by...it made me want to join the library membership program. There were very large tables on the second floor that had plenty of space to spread out your stuff. The room was fairly quiet and there was a variety of open seats and tables. The room got a good deal of light and the courtyard outside is very beautiful. I would definitely recommend checking out this place.

This is my local library, located slightly off Earl's Court Road on the Old Brompton Road…read more The 70s-built building won't win any prizes for architecture, but the inside is surprisingly light and airy. There's the usual lending and reference sections, and they have a video, DVD and music CD collection, as well as a special children's section and a small internet access section (for members only). Fees apply for videos, DVDs and CDs. Only members can take out books, but anyone can use the reference section. Being relatively small, the stock is a bit limited (especially the local history section) but is adequate for most people. My main use has been to borrow travel guides, of which there's a decent selection. It receives all the major daily newspapers, mostly read by a group of loyal pensioners who seem to go there every day. The library runs reading courses, has a reading group and once a week there's a toddlers' group called 'Baby Rhyme Time'. (I have no idea what goes on there!) The staff seem very pleasant, and there is a meeting room upstairs available for hire by community groups, seating up to 40 people. It's on the C1 bus route, and a few minutes' walk from the 328, 74 and C3 buses. Both Earl's Court and West Brompton stations are about ten minutes' walk away.