One of the best things about living in England, at least for a bookworm like me, is the ability to…read morevisit a public library and borrow a book for free, to enjoy it, to return it when you're finished, and to start all over again. Since I moved to Hammersmith, I've used this library time and time again. And it's most definitely saved me a lot of money, which would otherwise have gone on new books I have no room to keep. The staff are always friendly and have helped me on the rare occasions I've been hunting for a specific book. The range of books is pretty good, although there are times when I wish the library was a bit bigger. The thing that makes this much less of a problem than I would have expected, is that Hammersmith Library is part of the network of Hammersmith and Fulham libraries - so if the book isn't here, it may well be somewhere else. It involves a bit of searching, and either an extra walk or an extra wait to get hold of a book that's not in your nearest branch immediately. But the system improves the choice so much that that's never really a problem.

Pretty useless library. Doesn't even have a desk area you can sit down at and plug your laptop in!…read moreI'd say go and try one of the other libraries close by as this one will disappoint! Also they have a way over the top process to get a library card, you need a bank statement as proof of address! Ha, I almost spat in her face when she said that.

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

I went there to study planning to stay all morning, as the place is quiet and has daylight. Great,…read moreuntil I needed the toilet and thw staff told me to go to the train station! They do not have public toilets in Richmond public library. Unbelievble. I expected more from Richmond.

Beautifully situated facing the Green (Little) next to the Theatre. Wifi (free) and computer…read moreusage. Great choice of books, sofas, settees, and desk area. Everything you need to spend a peaceful beautiful hour in the heart of Richmond. I see some say it's run down...how odd. It's an old building, full of character. It is not a new glasshouse library, but do you really want all Libraries to be like this? Is it not wonderful to utilise a beautiful old building? It is certainly not depressing, but full of history. Very helpful staff will assist your book search and are happy to chat about books. The old days of bossiness are long gone as everyone is welcome, although there is a children's section if you know your children are noisy! Give it a try...it's solitude and Me-time and relaxation all in one!

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.

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.

Housed in one of Shepherd's Bush's nicest buildings is an adequate, if not sensational, selection…read moreof books, videos and dvds. There are also helpful staff, and generally it has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you don't feel like someone is going to spit 'shhh!' at you if you dare to make a sound. When I was a student I got my 'Lifestyle Plus' card from here. The card is an excellent thing. It cost me £20 for 12 months and I qualified for it by being a full time student. You can also get one if you are low income or on various benefits. It allowed me to go swimming for 50p a throw, and lots of other things like cheap tennis, free entry to some museumy type places, cheap theatre tickets and so on. All in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. What a great borough. Videos are cheaper to borrow from here than the videoshop, but obviously the selection isn't fabulous. A nice library though. Pleasant and welcoming for all the community.

It is a nice library, very user friendly, you can lend books, audio tapes, DVD's, videos and CD's…read morefor a good price with a large range. It opens till late 4 times a week, while it opens 7 days a week. If 2 or more people need to use the internet at the same time it is the place to be, they have internet stations for kids as well as adults. Also has a toilet, automatic doors and ramp for the disabled.

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.

The local library I found not only useful for books but many more added values, which I discovered…read morebit by bit. The Fulham Library has a photocopier black and white - which is of course practical on a Sunday. Not having had Internet at my place, I regularly was able to book free Internet sessions - make sure you book in advance over the phone... The book selection is alright, but very small, more for a pensioner who wants to look up which bird he spotted or books for children. If you need to do professional research the British Library or Royal College of Arts library is the cream of the crop. Upstairs there is a study room all in dark wood reading lamps. In fact very beautiful and ideal if you need to spend some time studying in silence - there your will get peace and silence - if you do not apply to the rules you will get kicked out. The documents stored in the wooden shelving there are only to be studied in the library and not to be borrowed.

I don't have all that much basis for comparison - you tell me is this better or worse than most…read moreLondon council libraries? As a resource though I find it to be pretty useful - easier than dots to join up and the selection is pretty good. They have the usual mix of bestsellers, classics, factual and research books, general academic, foreign language, graphic and children's books. They also provide some local community services like free internet access and a big study room upstairs. I've been up there a couple of times to try to work without the distractions of a coffee shop or my internet connection at home but honestly it's a bit too much like uni for my liking - mostly students when I was in. Still - a good place to join if you are local and want to share all your books with your neighbors. Via the library middle man obviously so don't worry you won't have to talk to them.