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

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.

Central Library (or Bexleyheath Library as it is more commonly referred to) is the main library…read moreserving the Bexley Borough area. It is the biggest and has the most comprehensive collection of facilities. These include a large variety of books covering all genres to borrow. There are also extensive free to use IT facilities and internet access. It is an ideal place for school children or college students to study and work or for those without web access at home to log on and check emails. I used the facilities recently to browse through the university prospectuses which were upstairs and sat in their quiet zone to help a friend select a course. The quiet zone was a good place to concentrate and the nature of the zone was well respected by all who used it. DVDs and local history archives are other among the many other things on offer at Central Library which has become an important part of Bexleyheath life as activities such as reading groups, guest speakers and children's activity sessions are offered. The DVD and CD hire is a good way of entertaining yourself on a budget as the rental costs are a significantly lower than those at places such as Blockbuster although the titles are not always as recent or as well stocked as rental shops. The library can get busy at times and although I have never experienced it being cramped, you may have to occasionally wait for a member of staff if you need help. The staff are always cheerful and enthusiastic as well as helpful when it comes to locating items. Getting to the library is easy as it is near the Broadway where almost every bus in Bexleyheath stops. Parking in The Mall or in local pay and displays are available too. Be cautious of parking wardens as they patrol the area regularly.

This is a very friendly library for kids, who will enjoy the fun activities available in the…read morelibrary especially during the school holidays, they can also have access to computers, which they will enjoy using. The book range is good, staff are helpful and kid friendly. The library is well lit and modern. Parking is available via Broadways parking areas, DO NOT try and park on the road as Traffic wardens appear as if by magic ticket you and disappear again!!. The location of library is VERY GOOD, the cinema is nearby as is a range of shopping facilities. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

It is impossible to speak to a person since they have locked out all possibilities of speaking to…read moreanyone in the automated system. What they fail to understand is that sometimes you may actually need to if you are unable to visit the store or renew online or over the phone for whatever reason. This also does not help older people. I'm all in favour of using technology in all aspects of life but you need to have a backup and the ability to speak to someone when it's required. It seems staff also favour the approach I mention but Idea Store management and the council are hell bent on continuing this ridiculous and unreasonable policy of no human contact. The services at the branch are actually very good, my poor rating is to ensure that management wake up and see this.

Like the other IDEA STORES (read: libraries that have been branded as stores with funky colors and…read moreplastic bags for carrying your purchases...I mean books) but this one's got more suits and a few more couches. I dig the Learning Labs here, because they're a bit quieter (less kids in the Wharf) and the Internet connection is decent....although not as stellar as the Starbucks connection a few yards away. Go, read, learn, and ideate your brain out here.

If you are a book worm and love the warm inviting smell of old books lining wooded shelves you have…read moreto visit the Rochester library ..it looks ancient within and so so inviting with nice comfy seats scattered everywhere within the 3-4 rooms where the books live. The lighting is mellow and I can absolutely lose contact with the world sitting with a book inside this library. They have a very good collection of multi-cultural books and dvd's. The laibrarians like the libaray are soft spoken and helpful and do a good job of keeping the library thus well maintained.

The Charing Cross Library is on the intersection between Covent Garden, Chinatown and Trafalgar…read moreSquare. It is part of the borough of Westminster and so open its residents, though you can request books for other libraries. The entrance to the building is quite discreet. The library itself is arranged across two floors. On the ground floor are books and DVDs. On the first floor are more books and the computers. The library has a decent fiction section and is notable for its large selection of Chinese language books. Charing Cross library is a small place but does a good job in trying to serve the interests of its community. It is worth visiting, particularly if you are looking for a Chinese language reading book.

This is my local library at work. What distinguishes this library from others is that it stocks a…read morehuge selection of books in Chinese. It also has a lot of manga/comic books, although these are in English and not in Chinese (unfortunately for me, because I am used to reading them in Chinese! Japanese translates better into Chinese than English!) There are two floors, a good selection of books, and they even sort the books into newly arrived, books you should read etc. near the door which I appreciate very much when I am just browsing for a new author. There are computer desks upstairs for use, and mainly reference books and language books there. Stocked downstairs are the Chinese books, Sci Fi/Fantasy/Crime and Children's books. The staff are quite nice and helpful in general, some staff can speak Chinese, of which I'm sure the Chinese community are very appreciative. The book reservation service is also very efficient. They sort it by name and stack the reserved books on a shelf so you can use the self check-out to borrow books. Yes, they have state of the art machines there, doesn't that make you just want to come and visit?

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!

I tried to join this gym a few weeks ago. There was limited information available in the foyer &…read morewhen I approached the reception / information desk, a rather rude employee grunted & then pointed at the rack of leaflets I had just looked at, after explaining that the information was not there, the member of staff muttered somthing & walked away. I waited for about 5 mins but no one returned so I left!

I attend quite few classes at Blackshots and I find the staff there very friendly and the classes…read morewell equipped. The instructors Wendy, Helen and Roy aka as oh God by the time you have finished one of his classes are brilliant and keep you well motivated. There are not many people who can get me out of bed for a class at 9.30 in the morning but Wendy and Helen do a fantasic job especially on the weekends. Try it you won't regret it!!