It's not surprising that Jubilee Library has won awards for design and architecture. It's a truly stunning building that towers above all the others in the North Laines. Inside it's just as impressive - with huge glass windows, high ceilings and wide open spaces. There's a great study area for students, a lounge area where people can relax and read magazines and newspapers and a big I.T. suite where you can tap and print away. The problem is... the lack of books! You'd think being a library you wouldn't be able to move for books, right? If only. There's probably more books on one floor of Waterstones than there is in this whole building. Maybe they ran out of money and couldn't afford many? Maybe they think everybody would be so floored by the building they wouldn't think of borrowing a book? Who knows. read more

Jubilee Library - Libraries Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Jubilee Library is a library like none I've joined before! When I was a kid, my local library was a one room ex-Scout hut! Though I've used lots of libraries since, and many much larger than the Jubilee (university libraries etc.), none have been as visually stunning. I am not always a fan of modern architecture, but the clean lines and sheer size of this glass building make it a pretty impressive structure. Easy on the eye? Yes. Heavy on the books? No. Like Sarah-Jane B., I am baffled by the Jubilee library's paltry selection of literature. It seems such a shame to build a library of such epic proportions and then leave it virtually empty! It's almost as if they let the architect order the books and s/he carried the minimalist theme right into the library! On a number of occasions I have looked for a book only to find they don't have it- they have even had to request inter-library loans for me. Is it just me, or does it seem ridiculous that the smaller Sussex libraries are lending their books to Brighton's central library??? Aside from the book deficit (which is a pretty major problem), this is a nice, quiet place to read and is in a great location. read more

Jubilee Library - Libraries Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Jubilee Library is Brighton's new main library, situated in the trendy North Lanes area. The building has become something of an architectural landmark. The exterior is a combination of glass, steel and semi-traslucent blue tiles. The triple-height main reading room, with its glass walls and dramatic use of glass, steel and ash-wood panelling, is made more dramatic by the free-standing columns that hold up the upper floors within the same space. The building is also highly energy efficient, using solar gain for heating, wind towers for cooling, and rainwater collected from the roof to flush its lavatories. The building won the 2005 Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award at a ceremony held in London on October 13 2005. Of course, it also provides all the services you'd expect from a major public library, with an extensive IT and audiovisual section, featuring CDs and DVDs as well, of course, as books. It also runs a range of courses, from early-reading to 'Silver Surfers' age groups, and has a Conference facility with a varied programme of events. On my visits there, I've found the staff to be helpful and friendly. read more

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I can't really find fault with the Jubilee Library, while it might not be sensational (what library is), it is a far sight better than how I remember libraries when I was a child. Located centrally in one of the nicest and newest developments in Brighton, the library is within an impressive modern structure, tastefully designed to provide an expansive and bright studying environment. They regularly have readings here, notably for children more than adults. As for a study area, there is a floor at the top of the building that can probably provide tables, chairs and plugs for nearly 50 people. read more

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I tend to use this library because I read old books. If I had to buy them I would be broke! Sadley I have to request the books. There simply isn't enough on display. The first time I visited this library I asked a member of staff where the books were! Its such a huge building. The designer obviously had awards on his mind rather than books. There is room to double the amount of books on display. Its not just a library. There are DVD's and audio books. There is a childrens area, that can get very noisy! There are conference facilities and a rare book section. When the design was first mooted a cafe was mentioned. There is no sign of one and perhaps could do with one. There is a shop in the entrance. read more

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This library has been recently revamped to a small extent to accomodate more study space with the incorporation of "micropods". They remind me of a gents toilets booth. phone booth or sushi bar where you perch yourself cheek by jowl on a stool next to the next sardine with a laptop. Unfortunately like building more capacity into a motorway it has had the effect of attracting more students. I would go so far to say that this library is an annex to the university and is only available to students. In addition I saw mentioned in another review that this place has toilets, well only if you know the keypad number and there is no where to leave your bike. read more

A lovely, light, airy space. Very different to libraries of old, with their slightly austere, intimidating atmosphere. However, like other reviewers,. I had to mark the place down for lack of books. Given this is the main municipal library for the city, I would expect more. The London borough I grew up in had a better collection, for around half the population. This is a real missed opportunity,. as there is more capacity in tbe building. read more

A stunningly huge and beautiful glass structure, the Jubilee Library is a contemporary building for social use and purpose. I love books and I love libraries, they're the perfect place for quiet research and reading. Although I wouldn't try to do this on a Saturday though, as that's when it gets rather busy and sounds somewhat like a menagerie. When the library was being built all the books from the old building were put into storage whilst construction was completed. Most of these books were never returned and as large as the library is, there aren't that many books to speak of. This is quite an annoyance, especially when you charged 50p to have a book shipped in from Hove or Hollingbury. read more

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I really like this library. It is designed so well and usually I find there what I need. But they could have more books! :) read more

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I love a good library, and the Jubilee Library is one of the better ones I've ever been in! It's big and spacious and is full to the brim (like any library doing it's job) with great books! :) The library is divided into lots of different sections - there's a kids area and a young persons working area, which both seem to be used well - along with many nice little pockets of desks and chairs scattered around it's three floors. It does get busy in here, so finding a seat with desk space can be tough - particularly during a busy period for the students in Brighton - but usually there is at least a comfy seat that you can perch in, laptop or textbook on your lap instead. It's quiet and relaxing in here and is a great place to get some work done or, I'd imaging, come and relax with good book! There's a little cafe on the ground floor (the floor where noise is allowed) and it always looks buzzing and friendly, though I've never sampled anything from there myself. The toilets are really clean and nice in here too which, for loos open to the public, can be a bit of a rarity! Good to know if you're ever in town and desperation strikes...! The only downside? No wifi, which is a real pain and seems fairly unusual for a public library...But hey! I go and tether to my phone internet instead and just enjoy the comfort and peace that the library offers! Other than this, it's a great library and one I keep returning to. read more

Not enough books. A library needs to have a lot of books. The selection is tiny. They keep most of it in storage and will get the books for you but it takes days. This system is no good - people find books by browsing on shelves, not sitting at some miserable computer and typing search queries into a database. They focused on building a modernist architectural 'landmark' building instead of a functioning library. read more

Jubilee Library is Brighton's main book depository, and the place in town to pop if you need to look for books for a couple of hours before giving up and going home. The negativity here is maybe a little much, but the selection is pretty pants: pulp fiction and obscure non-fiction seem to stuff the shelves, with the occasional good book that somehow got lost here. Still, beyond their awful selection, Jubilee Library does have a lot going for it. For one, it looks amazing: a modern masterpiece of architecture, with plenty of glass and metal. This translates well to the inside: the huge windows let in plenty of light, and the big space has been used effectively to create a large, empty space: the perfect place to be quiet and read or research. It is a particularly nice place to sit. There's a nice buzz, without being distracting, a great space to just sit. No food, obviously, but this isn't trying to be a cafe after all. As well as the nice set-up and ambiance, the Library does offer some nice services: their catalogue also includes the more specialist and useful books from the other libraries around town, meaning you can hopscotch around town with an idea of where you're going. Member's have internet access, and you can rent and buy CDs and DVDs: a very pleasant service. I wouldn't come here for specific books, just come to sit and browse, or do a bit of writing or research. I suppose that's what it's there for really! read more

It's hard to warm to the Jubillee Library. The architecture doesn't help from the outside it looks like an anonymous conference centre, all trendy glass and chrome; inside the open-plan design is light and airy but it encourages any noise to swirl around the building this is particularly evident when the mother and toddler group are in full voice with The Wheels on the Bus. There really aren't enough seats and desks for those who wish to study and there is no wi-fi although we are promised this is coming soon. And the toilets are a disgrace. On the plus side the IT centre is good with plenty of PC terminals and an efficient booking system and the staff are pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. Speaking of the staff there is currently a good exhibition of their own art. My favourite is Meghan Limbrick's paper and card construction. read more

For all the hype that arose for this building, I was disappointed. Apart from the free loan of books, and use of computers (up to an hour per day, best book in advance!), the layout and cleaniness leaves much to be desired.. read more

Not to diminish the wonderful architecture or DVD selection in Brighton's library, but there is one thing they haven't thought of or accomodated for, Rosecharlotte: reading books. With it's bustling chatter, noisy children, frequent alarms and open plan design, this library doesn't lend itself to quiet study. It's quite pleasant to read a newspaper behind the large glass wall or browse the CD collection, but the noisy, turbulent environment is not conducive to sustained attention or serious reading. Not wanting to be a spoil-sport, I would rate it higher if it described itself as a community centre, but as a library, it doesn't deliver the goods. read more

The new Brighton Library is absolutely fantastic, it was a long time coming but definately worth the wait. The childrens area is brilliant with a wide range of books for babies up to teen fiction and is a large area with a buggy park and comfy sofas. Many young mums use it to socialise while their kids are happily entertained. It also offers groups and activities like 'Baby Boogy' The cd and video section are really up to date and for about £1.50 for some weekly rentals it can be cheaper than your local video store. With internet access, self service ordering systems, water machine, good disabled access, the list goes on, there's nothing they haven't thought of or accomodated for. read more

Yes it's a lovely building in a great location, but I agree with other reviewers that the standard of book provision is poor. I was searching the photography section and was shocked at how much out of date the selection was and also found the books on the shelf to be tatty and worn. Also when I started using it they were switching computer systems, and it was total chaos, with the people working there appearing very stressed and consequently unable to help me with my enquiries. What a pity - it could be so much better. read more

Books are so 20th century, but it's cool to visit if you want to check out awesome architecture!

This is a beautiful building. The Jubilee Library was only opened a few years ago so it is still all shiny and new...and despite the fact that being on the top floor gives me vertigo because of the sections of floor that are open to the downstairs- it is a beautiful building. Architecture aside- it also has an excellent selection of books, dvds, cds and a great children's section. Anything they don't have they can usually order in for you within a few days. If you are looking for somewhere quiet to work though the seats are often taken and it can be noisy, so go early if you want a seat in a quieter corner. read more

Nice to look at, but where are the books?! For a building of this size in a city of this size it is seriously lacking in the book department, which, let's face it, for a library is pretty serious. If you are looking for a book-related gift though, there is a nice gift shop for the bibliophile in your life read more

I must be honest - I can't really review this place in terms of books as I've never taken any out but let me talk about the gift shop! Lovely greetings cards, novelty (in a good way) gifts and I believe they have moomin things. How many libraries can say THAT eh? Does anyone else remember going on school trips to museums and wanting to squeal with excitement at the multicoloured branded pencils and keyrings and teatowels in the gift shop? This place takes me right back there. I can practically smell the pocket money. read more

I think this is fantastic especially when you compare it to other library's its a very comfortable building with everything you need its allot more in bring library's up to date cos books can be seen as old fashion and i think they have done a great job at putting the energy back into books, well done read more

This is such a great place now. It has plenty of seating, plenty of magazines, and a very welcoming atmosphere. One whole wall is made of glass, and it looks out onto a pedestrianised area, with a parade of foodie shops just by it. Its a brilliant redevelopment of what had been a nasty black hole in Brighton, its really brought the area to life. The only problems I can see are the toilets, which aren't really cleaned enough, the computer system, which is a little flaky, and on the trip to the first floor, there are plenty of toilets (often with their doors open!) and the public are asked not to use them, they're for people attending meetings or something. Very strange. Oh! there are books! Lots of them. Not enough business books, but art, psychology and fiction are well represented. read more

As a born'n'bred Brightonian, I along with my good townsfolk have seen the steady decline of Brighton's library services over the past 3 decades. The '80s saw our library housed in the historic Corn Exchange which nevertheless soon became too small (or was needed as an arts venue - you decide.) After some years with no facility, and then a temporary set-up in an ugly office block on New England Rd, hopes were high for the much-vaunted new building in the heart of the city. What we received was a combination of everything regrettable about modern civic buildings, especially libraries. The much-praised architecture of the building is no more than another glass and steel cube: uninspiring outside, truly useless within. You see, so enthused were the designers about having an airy feel with high ceilings, that we ended up with only 2 floors in a building 4 stories high. And this leads to the heart of the problem: there isn't enough space for even a fraction of the books the library has! The bulk of its rich collection can only be accessed via catalogue searches and then waiting for it to one day be delivered. The whole point of a library is to promote reading, and much of the joy of visiting a library consists of discovering new books or authors by PHYSICALLY BROWSING THE SHELVES. Users of Brighton's Jubilee Library, however, are denied this pleasure since there are hardly any books on display, while the extensive collection rots in storage. And why? So that our council can brag about having a 'landmark' (yawn) building, designed by yet another pretentious elite modern architectural firm and given an award by an architectural organisation which is itself on a crusade to rid our towns of their history and traditional buildings, replacing them with shiny look-at-me 'iconic' buildings that will look as ugly in a few decades time as '60s blocks look today. Style over substance describes modern architecture, but this isn't just another office building... it's supposed to be the central library of Brighton & Hove. There are several other reasons why the library figured prominently in a G2 feature on the pitiful state of British public libraries, and was the object of a long-running community campaign to get more books on display (a campaign that was always doomed since the building's ill-advised design leaves no space for additional shelves). Here are some: -Not enough study space- often impossible to find a spot. Designers should've known that Brighton has a huge student population, in addition to thousands of language students (the library is directly behind a big language school) -Insufficient opening hours (and even these had to be fought to be extended. The original hours were Kafka-esque and were something like: Mon: closed, Tue: 9am-11:30am, Wed: 10am-6pm, Thu: 12:15-4pm, Friday: 3pm-7:30pm, Sat: closed, you get the idea...) -Not enough resources. The magazine section, for example, is pitiful, and they can't do anything about it because they lack the resources. -State of toilets is perennially, as Mr Keenan says, a disgrace. -Lack of security. On one occasion I saw a loud and aggressive vagrant annoying and intimidating staff and readers... and I hardly ever visit so it probably wasn't an isolated incident. If there ever was an example of a public library being unfit for purpose, it is the shambolic Brighton & Hove Jubilee Library. read more

Love the staff, the technology (just about anything bar getting and returning the actual books can be done online) and the space. Only problem I have is actually finding the books I want most of the time (the shelves move... and the shelf space changes... a tiiiny bit confusing) But then again: friendly staff so it's not that big of a problem. When i've been there the restrooms have always been tidy and clean, and I do adore the community feeling you get in the entryway where there is always some type of display as well as the information board with local info. Good for those of us that are not native! read more

A library is a great place to find books. These books can be taken away, but make sure you bring them back now, because they're not YOUR books, they're OUR books! Okay, okay, so we all know the concept of a library, but the reason I am writing about the Jubilee Library specifically, is that a) It looks amazing and b) Library's are a great way to be entertained and educated in times of economic hardship. Although the credit crunch sounds like a really boring breakfast cereal, it may have actually affected the way you spend money. I myself found myself thinking - if I buy a book for £7.99 it'll keep me entertained nightly for a week or so and thus save me money by not going out. Then, I had the genius idea: if I join the library for FREE, I can take out a book a week thus saving me money not going out, but also saving me £7.99 a week on not buying the book. GENIUS! The Jubilee is a contemporary library where you might actually want to spend time. As mentioned, the exterior is great and the interior is pretty nice too. Being a 21st Century library, there aren't just books, but CDs and DVDs available for rent at nominal fees (£1.50-£3 per week). Also, going to the library is now cool, because I said so and therefore that's law. Don't be a fool, go to the library, Joe says it's cool! read more

Jubilee Library - Libraries Near Me - Brighton, BNH

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The arrangement of tables in correspondence to space and wall sockets makes absolutely no sense. It took me half an hour to find a place to sit (whilst walking past huge areas and wall sockets of wasted space). When I eventually found seats on the top floor, they were unnecessarily tightly and uncomfortably packed together. It took me another half an hour to connect and sign up to the appalling and constantly disconnecting '_LinkFree' WiFi, and the seats/stools in the 'micropods' offer no back support. The seats/stools were far too high in relation to the height of the desks, which resulted in bad back pain for myself and the three of my friends I was with. The back pain me and my friends experienced eventually became so intense that we had to leave. I also observed that other people next to me were constantly having to stand up and stretch, evidently showing that they were experiencing the same problems. Really bad place to go when you've got multiple imminent deadlines. read more