This library built me. Made me the person I am. I remember coming here after school everyday after…read moregetting dropped off by the 621 bus. Coming from Nabwood Grammar. A great large iconic building with so many floors and resources, this was a real library. All kinds of colourful characters would visit. Students, professors, retirees, vagrants, and families would be here. The ground floor inremmebr where people would scavenge for the daily newspapers. And all fiction books where I would get my first taste of Stephen King. Can tee had homemade sandwiches plus snacks and jacket potatoes were good and affordable. But the 5th floor was my spot. The reference floor where students would come and study. With its large tall windows bringing great light into the building and vast views of Bradford City. Such a shame this building is no more. I don't live in Bradford anymore but memories still linger and there will always be a special place of this library in my heart.

Bradford's main library isn't exactly entirely trad: walk into the reception seating 'n' eating…read morearea and you might think it's a social club - packed, chatty and really a little noisy, somewhat short of becardiganed ladies in flyaway spectacles saying 'Shhh!'. But its facilities are pretty cool: all your fiction, reference and research needs are catered to. There are regular library sales which are both cheap and eclectic, great for picking up some intriguing vintage bargains (that look cool on your Ikea bookshelves). Multiple floors, decent loos, nice and warm in winter and a ton of info available on local news and events, a good children's section and that great retro 70s architecture. Pretty damn good if you ask me.

Shipley library is a good sized library. It has a large a varied children's library so you…read moreshouldn't struggle to find books. The non fiction section has a wide range of subjects so you can normally find what you need. The fiction section, like most libraries seems to concentrate on the SF and, romance genres but again you can generally find something to interest you. They also have a range of DVD/videos and CDs to hire at very good rates. The internet is available and free to use for library members and most of the daily papers are there to read.

Aswell as books you can loan cds/games/videos and magazines…read more You should be able to find any book you want in there as it is large and well stocked up. The helpful staff are there to point you in the right direction, if you cant find what you are looking for There is a good range of childrens book too. They have a lot of computers and you can usually get on to the internet without having much of a wait. and its free to use

I refuse to pretend that I have any knowledge whatsoever about the game of chess. I once watched a…read moredocumentary about an eight-year-old Chinese girl who was humiliating scores of adults on a global scale, by mercilessly beating them. Unfortunately, I did not glean any tips from the programme, such was the speed of her moves. My Mam did attempt to teach me the rules one rainy afternoon when I was a child, but I soon lost interest, and the headache inducing Hungry Hippos made a return to the table. During the Summer months, the huge chess boards which are painted onto the ground, are often in demand. The novelty sized chess pieces make the game more visually interesting, and a large crowd is often attracted to the commotion. The characters who participate are a varied mixture of people, young and old. There is a lovely communal atmosphere to the proceedings, with strangers often engaging in a game together. Thus far, I have only been a spectator of the sport. I do not think I would be very well received if I sauntered over to the boards and casually challenged these earnest, mathematical types to a Hungry Hippos tournament. I'll just watch.

Ok, I love a good library, so I'm already biased. Really, this isn't quite what I'd count as a…read more"good" library. When I think of a good library I think of a huge library packed with more books than a person could ever hope to read. This library (at least in this location, it's possible it's spread across other buildings) does not have endless books. It has books, but it focusses on a few, small-ish sections with only a couple of themes, the most extensive of which seems to be the arts section. That makes sense, the library is housed in the same building as the art gallery (closed for work on the roof in 2016, to reopen in 2017 some time). Still, it would be nice if more options were available, but this isn't the place to go pick up the latest best seller or to find the book you need to help you finish your essay. So why is this a five star review? Because of the building. Even without being able to explore the art gallery half of it, it is incredibly beautiful inside. It's a grade II listed building that was constructed between 1878 and 1884. It's all arch ways and vaulted ceilings, the marble staircases are framed with sculptures of dogs fighting, begging and guarding the books. Beautiful tiles line the floors and walls, giving a slightly Turkish effect and exploring all of this is a real treat even if you've never really been all that fussed about books. The Leeds tapestries are also on display here, a modern series of tapestries celebrating the city and deserving of study. There's a cafe on the ground floor which looks and smells very good and is certainly popular. There's also a gift shop and with a slightly more specialised shop attached, selling paintings, sculptures and jewellery by local artists. Across several of the floors are spaces for study and learning. Don't go in expecting to borrow any book you can imagine (unless you want art books or books on family history). Go in to explore the beautiful architecture. It really is something special.

The art library is well stocked and a pleasant place to browse, with an adjacent room for private…read morestudy with free internet access. There is also an exhibition room just off the main room which has an eclectic collection that changes regularly. The library sells greetings cards and has regular art exhibits, giving it the feel of a gallery. Subjects covered by the library include glass, jewellery, furniture and ceramics as well as a large range of books on painting arranged by country. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful so if the size of the collection leaves you confused, just ask. The art library holds regular craft workshops - a lovely way to gather frequenters of the art library together for a creative sesh. On my last visit there were some impressive examples of quilting. It's great that art and design books get their own mini library, as it creates an inspiring space where like-minded individuals can browse and work together.

Set in the same stunning building as The Central Library built in the late 1800s waits a large…read moresection devoted to the arts. Being in this building is wonderful; massive, high ceilings, decorative flooring and wood paneled walls provides, for me, the perfect setting for acquiring more knowledge. 25,000 books on all areas of art and design are available for loan if you have a library card. This will also allow you to access the computers for free internet as well as access to all the online catalogues that the library subscribes to. Sometimes the library hosts workshops such as quilting. The library also boasts a large café at front, exhibitions to the right (as you are facing the building) and a much frequented permanent, outdoor chess-board at the entrance.