I have been an active member of Highgate Library since January 1991…read more And that was when, Margaret Thatcher was still the British Prime Minister. I only live around the corner from this Camden library branch, which is Holly Lodge. And even up to this day, I will always use the services at Highgate Library, for hiring out DVDs, PC printing and the photo copy machine. And I even reserve books and DVD from Highgate Library. Highgate Library is literally right next door to Highgate Cemetery, the place of Karl Marx's tomb.

This Library is free to join, and stacks a large collection of both DVDs and VHS. They even…read moreoccasionally sell some VHS tapes for 50p, and I've slowly built a mini collection from here. Its great because its totally free to take out both books and movies! There is no Wifi, but there are public terminals to access internet with a time limit. These get really busy on the weekend. You might catch another network in the area on your laptop. Its a great place to read or to study, I used to come here to write essays. Its conveniently located and I would go for breaks to one of the many cafes across the street for a caffeine boost!

I was first drawn to the building, which was built in 1892. The entranceway is impressive: it's a…read morememorial hall, commemorating those who have died in war. I got a couple of pictures, but not enough to show it really. Inside is not so nice. Just as grand, it's a great barn of a building, and somewhat grey and dingy. This doesn't stop it buzzing with life. It's a largish library, and it took me a while to find the SF section. Actually 2 sections of shelves and a nice selection, so they win points there. There's also a large study area, including many computers, and a huge children's section. The children's section was full and noisy when I visited. I think they were about to start story time, and some of the kids were getting a bit fractious. Very much a living and used library, and the entranceway is a must see if you are into war memorials.

One of the brightspots on the south side of Finsbury Park, and an absolute beacon among the…read moredarkness that is Blackstock Road, the N4 library was only built around 4 years ago and looks extremely modern compared to its neighbours. Inside, you'll find a superb collection, particuarly of newspapers, mags DVDs and music, which were the primary reasons I kept coming back here. You can't argue with a £1 weekly rental for all of the world cinema releases. There is also a study area upstairs, and various vocational education courses in Islington & City College which shares the building. Staff are professional, sometimes taking their jobs a little too seriously for my liking, but courteous nonetheless. Internet also available.

I agree with the previous review--N4 Library is definitely a bright spot on Blackstock Road. Having…read moremoved to the neighborhood with no TV and nary a book on the bookshelf, the library has been amazing at keeping me amused. The fiction and non-fiction pleasure reading is somewhat lacking compared to larger libraries, but it's on your way to or from the tube and you can read your way through a lovely selection of Bukowski, Murakami, and Bryson. I haven't much ventured beyond that, as the outlook is somewhat bleak. There are computers and places to study and there are always people about, which is really nice to see. £1/week rentals are a highlight.

Inside the craziness of the British Museum, you can find a relatively tiny book-lined reference…read morelibrary tucked away in a corner of the building that offers the bibliophile and common wo/man alike an inviting respite. It used to be located in the, er, Reading Room of the British Museum, but that big domed room in the middle of the building now hosts exhibitions and the library has been marginalised. I'll admit, the library was quite dazzling in its days in the Reading Room. But never mind that; its relocation just means that fewer wandering tourists monopolize its reader seats. Just walk on in and take a seat in one of the fancy swivel chairs behind one of the dozen or so computers. Or choose one of the free desks and plug your laptop into the conveniently placed electrical socket (in the desk!) and work away. Some books are readily available for consultation, and other books can be delivered to you at your desk (just like at the British Library, but no need to sell one of your kidneys to get a reader card here!). For non-registered academics and independent scholars, the Paul Hamlyn library offers completely free access to academic databases like JSTOR (private, personal access to this database alone costs hundreds per year!); score. After studying in this well lit, intimate, free and comfortable library, take a walk around a room or two in the museum. After a few visits to the British Museum for the library you'll have bulked up your world knowledge enough to finally slaughter your grandma at Trivial Pursuit. But don't tell too many people, because I want this library gem all to myself.

A magnificent and historic library - a wonderful place for scholars and other bookish people.read more

As a history buff, avid reader, and past library fundraiser, there is no way I could skip a visit…read moreto the British Library. We enjoyed roaming the floors during an unexpected rain shower, and enjoyed all the historical tomes exhibited here. We did not sign up for cards, and therefor did not get to explore the rooms or stacks, but we did enjoy our walk around. During college (as a history major), it was frequently joked that you haven't really researched in a library if you haven't wound up making out in the stacks... well, after a day of research, I enjoyed some fun pictures and 'making out' with my husband, making this a thoroughly educational stop in our London adventure.

Would definitely recommend checking out the British library at least once! It's a beautiful…read morebuilding with a lot of bookd and exhibits, as well as a little coffee shop. If you plan on seeing any of the actual exhibits or checking out the areas that actually house the books, you'll need to sign up for one of their cards. I also can't really imagine getting much work or studying done here. It can be pretty difficult to find a seat and it's so loud and busy that you may be better off going somewhere else.

A small library that services Hackney residents that live around the vicinity of Dalston Lane, a…read moremain thoroughfare in Hackney. This is a comparatively limited library, with excellent ramps and disabled access. I love a library where you can find a seat, grab a book, have a peruse and use the computers. This is not quite the place to do that, there are only three computers and the book collection is small. It is a great local resource though, with space available to rent out, and it works closely with local schools. if this is your local library, pop in and join, It is essential.

This is a smallish library, but a useful one. It's the place I tend to pop into for photocopying,…read moreand they have a pretty good machine for that, which can do multiple pages if you know how to work the feeder! Of course they also have free computer/internet access, which is bound to be useful at times. As to books, though not huge they have a good range. On my last visit I was able to find something to get into. Personally I think they are better on non-fiction, but then I'm into SF, and I find the selection here as unimaginative as it often is. I've seen they've just started an SF reading group there, so maybe I'll check that out. They get in newspapers which are very useful if you are skint and looking for a job! Very popular with their clientele too There's big notice boards too, though they are situated between the two sets of sliding doors at the entrance so reading them means you keep triggering the doors which is sort of annoying even when it's not drafty. Staff seem pretty good there is a children's library, but it's situated off into the depths of the building somewhere, so I've never seen it!

The library has a nice feel to it but someone needs to tell people not to be talking in the library…read morewhilst people are trying to concentrate. It is very disrespectful and rude! After all it is meant to be a library. If people want to talk on the phone or to each other there are other facilities they could go to such as cafes or restaurants.

Hi, this library is so nice and the study room is always so quite. I really recommend it. However,…read moreI really would like a coffee machine due to sometimes when I leave my space and I come back again, someone is in my place... I think it could be so much easier and comfortable if one coffee machine were in this place. Apart from that, this library is really lovely.

This is a nice small neighborhood library…read more Hours, Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed They have 11 computer workstations available for you to use internet for free. But the internet speed connection is super slow. They have photocopy and printing facilitates. I remember i had to print out some photos for my study abroad homework assignments but the pictures did not come out at the right size. (You print out the documents from your workstation and obtain the printouts from their front desk) Frustrated and thought I still had to pay for the printouts, the staff was surprisingly friendly and told me I did not have to pay because the quality was not of my desired outcome. There are also plenty of books/newspapers/magazines/videos to read/rent/checkout for your entertainment.

A great neighbourhood library. There is not that much space available to work, especially if you…read moreneed to plug in your computer. The kids library upstairs is brilliant. Note however that there are no toilets, can be inconvenient sometimes.

This quiet library has a good collection of books, and all you need is a recent utility bill to…read morebecome a member. There is free, if a little slow, internet as well, although you are encouraged to limit your time if there are others waiting to use the computers. There are a couple of videos available for rent as well. The erratic opening hours mean that you won't be able to come here regularly, but it still is very convenient for those living nearby. There are signs up for a weekly book club, and there are also newspapers and periodicals available for browsing. The bright exterior and friendly staff make this library a pleasure to visit.

Great little library which has everything you need. Lots of new and old books, plenty of computers…read moreto use, a big children's section and lots of dvds and cds to borrow. They do a reward scheme where for every 5 books you take out you get a free dvd or cd which is a really great idea. The late nights on a Tuesday and Thursday are great too. Lovely staff and a big part of the community.