Frome has always had a library service for as long as I've lived here. I know from history it used to be in the now Ellenbray Toys shop, and longer before that in a pre-fab hut in the Market Yard. Some years ago it moved to it's present location, a double-storey purpose built building with the River Frome running along one side and facing onto the Market Car Park.
Inside, the ground floor has all the fiction and non-fiction books you could ever wish to read, nicely laid out, including many little tucked-away nooks and crannies with comfortable seating to sit and lose yourself browsing books.
There is also a separate bright and breezy children's section with play-box and colourful soft cushions, an ideal environment for those early steps of reading.
Large Print books cater for those with eyesight difficulties, and there is a gratifyingly good sized selection of these.
There is also a DVD hire facility, with a reasonable selection of titles for hire.
Computer access is available for free, but there are only a limited number of computers (and it's not unusual to find one or two out of order) so it's not always easy to get onto one. And when you do, the time is limited - and you'll need your library card to be able to access the internet.
With more computers and better quicker maintenance this could be a much improved facility.
Upstairs there is a large quiet and comfortable research area with all sorts of technical and archive books. A lift is available for wheelchair users to travel this one flight upwards.
Back downstairs an added feature is a small Mendip District Council outlet for advice and assistance with all matters of Council Tax, benefits and other features. This is extremely useful for people who are unable to travel in person to the offices and prefer to deal face to face with a service advisor for filling in forms and gettings help and advice. Very discreet, and a good service.
The main stamping in and out of books is usually done swiftly and efficiently. But the more sensitive should beware if you take books back late. Whilst most of the Assistants will tell you of the late-return fine you owe quietly, discreetly and politely, there are occasionally one or two who will announce it quite loudly (in the very open and public area) and leave you red-faced and fumbling for your purse whilst the queue builds up behind you! Of course, it is always possible to phone the library to renew over the telephone to maybe avoid this.
But that's just the odd occasions over the years. The staff are usually efficient, helpful and polite and all seem to really enjoy their job.
A great asset to the town, the library also hosts occasional children's storytime events and talks by authors for the adults. It is very much in the heart of the town both physically and metaphorically speaking. read more
