This library is a modern take on the word as books seem to be a sideline!…read more Although the traditional building (a Carnegie library) still stands in the High Street, the entrance to it is now in the modern extention off the ajacent square. There are banks of computers and a large audio and dvd lending section, a small lending library which comprises mainly of fiction. The reference section is on the first floor (there is a lift) and is TINY!!! There are toilets and good disabled access.

The redevelopment of this library has transformed it into a more modern, bright better atmosphere…read moreas I remember the old one being more dark and gloomy. As this is the nearest library I have studied here many times and found that younger people are starting to study there. They have wireless internet access and a computer room as well as a large children's section which they hold events in sometimes. There are three different sections containing adult's books and 2 floors (ground and 1st floor). They also have a visual/audio section from which you can borrow DVDs and audio tapes. Overall the new library is a nice improvement!

Much improved and very clean looking now. Good study spaces, well segregated from the children's…read morelibrary. One suggestion: it is nearly clinical, hospital like now: please put some greenery and colour, Even artificial plants would improve the general feel!

great pace to take kids for them to do productive reading a great little childrens libary, havent…read moreused the adult libary but if the childrens part is anything to go by it will be very useful

I haven't been a member of a library for quite sometime, and I managed to forget the incredible…read moreamount of free things that comes with being one. I have frequented Hackney Library ever since becoming a member a few months ago. First of all, free films!!! Amazing!! The only problem is that the collection of decent films will only keep you going for a couple of months. The library is probably the only interaction I have with c.d.'s in this technological age. They are free to hire and there is actually some really good stuff. If the c.d.'s and books have not been there for a certain amount of time then you have to pay a small amount to hire them. The book collection is huge and diverse, and the abundance of computers are free to use. There is also scanning and printing available. I can't believe I neglected the library for so many years.

I remember when this library was nothing special, but since they done up the building, this is…read morereally a nice and modern library. Almost feels like a book store. They have a great selection of books and an impressive selection of DVDs to rent. This may no longer be my local area, but I still have my Hackney library card!

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.

13. Stratford Library has some shortcomings and some positives. On the downside, it has garishly…read morepainted walls which don't lend it that tranquil library feel, and the entrance is horribly congested as the service desk gets in the way. But it is in a convenient location and you can access a variety of resources while there. Also, because of the multicultural demographics of the area, there are many titles in polish and Urdu, which is quite impressive. There is a large reference section, but I wasn't terribly blown away by the politics shelf, which is usually my first port of call. Unclear from staff how many books I'm allowed to take out. Kinda important guys.

The Grove E15 is not in Hackney.read more

A small library that services Hackney residents that live around the vicinity of Dalston Lane, a…read moremain thoroughfare in Hackney. This is a comparatively limited library, with excellent ramps and disabled access. I love a library where you can find a seat, grab a book, have a peruse and use the computers. This is not quite the place to do that, there are only three computers and the book collection is small. It is a great local resource though, with space available to rent out, and it works closely with local schools. if this is your local library, pop in and join, It is essential.

This is a smallish library, but a useful one. It's the place I tend to pop into for photocopying,…read moreand they have a pretty good machine for that, which can do multiple pages if you know how to work the feeder! Of course they also have free computer/internet access, which is bound to be useful at times. As to books, though not huge they have a good range. On my last visit I was able to find something to get into. Personally I think they are better on non-fiction, but then I'm into SF, and I find the selection here as unimaginative as it often is. I've seen they've just started an SF reading group there, so maybe I'll check that out. They get in newspapers which are very useful if you are skint and looking for a job! Very popular with their clientele too There's big notice boards too, though they are situated between the two sets of sliding doors at the entrance so reading them means you keep triggering the doors which is sort of annoying even when it's not drafty. Staff seem pretty good there is a children's library, but it's situated off into the depths of the building somewhere, so I've never seen it!

This Library is free to join, and stacks a large collection of both DVDs and VHS. They even…read moreoccasionally sell some VHS tapes for 50p, and I've slowly built a mini collection from here. Its great because its totally free to take out both books and movies! There is no Wifi, but there are public terminals to access internet with a time limit. These get really busy on the weekend. You might catch another network in the area on your laptop. Its a great place to read or to study, I used to come here to write essays. Its conveniently located and I would go for breaks to one of the many cafes across the street for a caffeine boost!

I was first drawn to the building, which was built in 1892. The entranceway is impressive: it's a…read morememorial hall, commemorating those who have died in war. I got a couple of pictures, but not enough to show it really. Inside is not so nice. Just as grand, it's a great barn of a building, and somewhat grey and dingy. This doesn't stop it buzzing with life. It's a largish library, and it took me a while to find the SF section. Actually 2 sections of shelves and a nice selection, so they win points there. There's also a large study area, including many computers, and a huge children's section. The children's section was full and noisy when I visited. I think they were about to start story time, and some of the kids were getting a bit fractious. Very much a living and used library, and the entranceway is a must see if you are into war memorials.

This is an old-fashioned archive, upstairs in Vestry House Museum, in the attic, not the best place…read moreto keep priceless artifacts, as it's hot in summer and freezing in winter. If you cannot manage the stairs, they will arrange somewhere in the museum for the consultation. The place feels like an schoolroom, with shelves and mismatched furniture. There are few modern readers, I got a headache using the film reader, which had to be re-focused constantly. The archive has many original parish records, as well as many printed books and maps. They also hold several card indexes which are not available anywhere else. You need to book your visit and have an idea of which records you want to access. They allow laptops with prior permission, but charge if you want to photograph anything. They do copy document on request.

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.