This is what a real library should feel like, it's barely changed since I last visited as a kid some 20 years ago as a child - even the leaflets rack is in the same place and looks suspiciously like the same one!
I love the large entrance as you walk in because it makes visiting the library feel like a proper special occasion, the check in/out counter is in keeping with the decor of the building and so is everything in the place.
This has a lovely peaceful air inside, the acoustics of the building means it has a very hushed quality which takes me back to the days of the librarian who really would tell you to 'shhhhhhh!'.
The selection of books is excellent, this library is bigger inside than it looks from the road and is literally crammed with bookshelves and racks. If I'm looking for a particular book I can usually find it, or if it's not available then reserving a copy is an easy process and they rarely take long to become available.
I like the childrens area because it's fairly enclosed so I can safely leave my older girls' in there while I browse the adults books. Sometimes I'll let them watch the baby in there and show her some books, but she's a mummys girl and soon gets rid of the hushed atmosphere I was telling you about earlier when she notices I'm gone!
The non fiction section is fantastic and I often find something to pique my interest; everything from books about American literature, a biography of Charles Darwin, introductions to knitting and cookery books are available. I find it a fascinating area of the library and if I happen to be in there without the kids then I'll pick something interesting and sit down to have a read - if it interests me then I'll book it out, if not it's five minutes wasted in a lovely environment. read more