I'm going to come right out and say it:
I think that libraries are one of the most important things we've ever come up with.
So, yes, maybe I'm biased.
This is the Tate (yes, as in THAT Tate) memorial library-- he didn't just endow the museum, he endowed three libraries in South London. It's a gorgeous old Victorian building, with lovely, knowledgeable staff, and a generally excellent selection of books and whatnot. They will, of course, get you anything in the Lambeth Library world.
But that's not all! Free wifi! (usually) clean toilets! Computers!
Books? Fiction. Nonfiction. Graphic novels.
Training for the Life in the UK test. Job centre. Book reading groups.
The librarians will engage with you, suggest books for you, and ask your opinion of books.
They put up brilliant displays of local history (including a recent history of the Brixton Riots).
What else?
They have a LOYALTY CARD SCEME. I know. It's a library. They give you stuff for free. What on earth would you want with a loyalty card scheme? See, if you borrow anything five times, you'll get a DVD or audio music rental for free.
I'm sure they have more. They're a brilliant resource full of lovely people. Write your MP, councillor, etc. and save them. It's probably the best use of your tax money. read more