I can't remember the last time I set foot into a library. But today seemed like a good day for…read morereading so when I found my nearest book repository wasn't far off (and open today) I figured I'd go have a nosey. Obtaining a library card was pretty easy. I gazed at the librarian's massively Sellotaped glasses whilst she reviewed my bank statement (proof of address) and typed my details into a prehistoric desktop computer. A few minutes later I had my card and began browsing. Amidst the folks sleeping in armchairs and studying at tables I spotted a small but surprising selection of titles. Overall though, the goods here are a little thin. Also, the Holborn Library could really do with some good curation. Besides the new arrivals shelf, most of the rest of the selection seemed a bit haphazardly placed. The building itself is rather depressing, is in need of a proper tidy, and most of the patrons do little to improve the atmosphere with their mostly down trodden stares. I ended up borrowing three titles and was amazed at how far technology has come: I was able to check my own books out with a simple swipe of my card. The self check-out bit might be Holborn Library's most redeeming quality.

I used to like studying in this library because it is relatively quiet...as the kid section is…read moreaway, in the basement of the library. However they recently moved the tables around such that it is now impossible to plug my laptop. Toilets are in the basement and very stinky.

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.

The building may not be ancient but the treasures inside will keep you engaged for hours…read more Explore the various museum room and see if you're allowed to see some of the really old volumes. Rest in the cafe or sit and read a while in a chair or desk on the upper floors. Stroll the exterior and see the huge line that sometimes forms at (I guess) opening times? Enjoy the special kids programs at many times, and celebrate the love of reading young and old.

Of all the university colleges in London SOAS has the most individual character atmosphere. It is…read moredefined by its strongly, sometime radical, left wing political sentiment and generally has a bit of a hippyish atmosphere. In addition to normal uni courses the also run a night school, which I attended for Japanese lessons. As a result of which I was given a university library card. I used the library a few times to do my class work and other university work. It has a great selection of interesting books on the region and so is an good place to browse. There are a number of work places and though a little shabby it is a pleasant enough place to work. Unfortunately, the organization system is pretty dire and it can be very hard to find the books you need. Additionally, their entry policy is fairly militant and, even as a member of the University of London; you need a particular research purpose to be granted access.

Placed on the SOAS university campus, suitably behind the British Museum, SOAS library houses the…read morecountries most extensive academic collection for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It holds over 1.2 million volumes alongside considerable archival holdings, special collections and increasing electronic resources. The reference centre is open from 9am - 11pm Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5pm on Saturday and 11am - 6pm on Sunday. If you are not a student of the University of London, you can still access it for free for 3 days within a 12-month period as long as you bring a form of ID such as a passport. If you want to use it for longer than this, £12 day passes are available, as well as £30 month passes, £70 for 6 months or £100 annually (£150 for borrowing rather than just reference). From art and music to economics and finance, politics and religion to linguistic and language - every subject is covered. So if you have anything relating to Africa and the East you want to study for educational, work or personal reasons this is the place to go.

The King's Maughan University is one of my favourite university libraries. It was near my campus…read moreand I would often head there to do some work. It is in a large handsome building between the law courts and Fleet Street. The library itself is similarly large, and seems to house Kings Humanities collection. It is a decent collection, and LSE is across the road if you need other social sciences books. The mix means that you can get a reading book if you get bored of your work. Rather than having large swathes of seating there a lots of little tables, and small seating rooms. The seats are incredibly comfy and there are dividers so you don't feel exposed. It can sometimes be a little chatty but if you need to crack on there is a beautiful dome roofed quiet work room on the ground floor and higher up there are individual cubical like offices where you can really concentrate. There is also a café in the basement where you can go for a break. Additionally, Kings Students are largely very friendly and there is a nice atmosphere about the place. The Kings Maughan Library is a great library that I would encourage ULU members and academics to make use of.

In a word, stunning…read more The building housing the Maughan library is absolutely magnificent. Housed in a 19th-century Gothic building, the library is beautiful and filled with period pieces both inside and out. However, because the library is in a grade II* listed building, nothing about it can be changed. Therefore, as a researcher, the labyrinthine stacks are not only intimidating; they are downright frustrating. No matter how many times one looks for the Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, one inevitably finds oneself wandering around the first and first-mezzanine levels cursing under ones breath at the journal's seeming elusiveness. (And if one is looking for a journal title starting with a Z for the first time, (s)he will be baffled to find it on the opposite side of the library and on another floor with respect to the REST of the library's journals after bewilderedly wandering around the majority of the library's journal titles for 30 minutes. Infuriating.) More often than not, I find books I desperately want to consult are checked out, and the library's holdings aren't as numerous as those at the Senate House Library. While the interior furnishings are comfortable, contemporary, and functional, the library's mezzanine levels seem to confuse people. That is, they seem to confuse people into thinking if they're on the mezzanine level that they can have rather loud conversations with their friends without disturbing people studying on the main floor just below them. After unwillingly being subjected to conversations about one too many a drunken antic of an undergraduate, the library has left me a little jaded. For this reason, the library is, sadly, simply okay. Considering its beauty, location and history alone, it is a five-star facility.

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

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.

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?

Of all the London universities I think that UCL has the most handsome campus. The main Bloomsbury…read morebuilding is visually impressive and built in the Greco-Roman style. Within this building is the main UCL library. Whilst UCL has a number of libraries I was surprised by the relatively small size of their main library. It is, nonetheless, a handsome place built around a room containing frescos and a central statue, similarly in the Greco-Roman style. From this room lead corridors, each containing reading rooms and particular departments. The work places are a little shabby but have charm. The selection, also, isn't amazing but is adequate for general research. The UCL library is an attractive library though it does not have the best facilities.

It definitely smells like library in here. It's definitely grandiose. It's also incredibly easy to…read moreget lost and I still haven't explored the whole place yet. I get really self conscious looking for history books in here, mainly because it's all shelved in small rooms and within those small rooms there's people studying in the middle of the room, so the main game is to get a book as quietly as possible without looking stupid. I'm 5ft and can't reach further than my head without people thinking it's funny or adorable. This does not bode well for me. I'm also incredibly clumsy. So, if you have seen me around, I'm really sorry for disturbing you! Also, why are there no self service desks, are we not in the 21st century. You can't take books out on Sunday cuz no one is at the issue desk. I don't think the issue desk like me either, apparently they can ignore you if they feel like it, it's in their jurisdiction cuz they might be doing more important work(?)

Going to the St. Martin's library was the sequel to our adventure St. Martin's the slide library…read more Dum roll please. I only did a little bit of research here, but it was useful enough. I was working, as you may recall, on finding information about the early collections of John Galliano. I pulled off my fedora, untied my trench coat and stamped out my cigarette in a could of mysterious gray smoke as I entered. A dame was there to meet me. She was no vixen, no heel-toting gal, but she helped point me in the right direction. She gave me some books to look at. I looked at them. I looked at the other students. I had to get to the bottom of this mystery. The library was packed with books on fashion and art. The crowd was creatively dressed - interesting. While I waited for a damsel in distress to come swoon into my arms crying "Oh Martin Mysterieux, I need you to help me solve a mystery!" I focused on the task at hand, pursuing a large section of paper and magazine clippings. The atmosphere was good for studying and when I found some items to photocopy, the staff was helpful. I left, alone as every, but with more evidence under my arm and close to solving the ominous mystery hanging over me.

an okay library ... more for academic purposes (obviously, being a part of university of london)…read more it's hard to find 'normal' books here so unless you're writing an academic paper or history of art essay, it'll be less helpful. there are great study spaces though and membership comes free with being a student.

The towering structure of Senat House Library dominates the skyline of Russel Square. Someone told…read moreme the building was even used for filming in one of the Ghostbusters movies, though I'm not too sure if this is true. With one of the largest collections available in the UK, Senate House Library is popular amongst students and academics alike. Situated in UCL's main campus, access and borrowing privileges are restricted to those affiliated with the University of London or those permitted for research purposes. I didn't use this resource enough when I was a student and this is one thing I deeply regret. The working environment is excellent and, once you get used to the rather higgeldy-piggeldy layout, it's very easy to use.