Libraries are gifts to those suffering from penury; i.e. students. Streatham Library is no…read moreexception. They have loads of books and CDs on a wealth of subjects that will satisfy the need for knowledge for all types of inquiring minds. One thing that sets this library apart from others is their impressive DVD collection; Blockbuster pales in comparison. Streatham Library has hundreds of new and classic mainstream and underground movies to choose from and they usually let you check them out for about £1.50 a pop. So, instead of getting ripped off at the cinema or at your local video rental store, go to this library, you'll be surprised at what you can find.

I was born in 1941 and went to Sunnyhill Road School and then on to Rosa Basset Grammar School. I…read morewalked home past the library every school day and at least twice a week from age seven I spent time in the library usually reading for about an hour and then checking out my books. What a wonderful library this is and what a haven it was. I've lived in Montreal, New York and now Los Angeles for the last 5O or so years but my memories of Streatham Library on a cold, rainy day are so fond.

My fascination with words and language comes from My Pop. When he came home from work, after dinner…read moreI would sit on his knee and read or try to read the paper with him. I thought that was fun, but my favourite day of the week was Saturday, because that's went we went to the library. I always left with at least three books which I devoured and that is how I came to love libraries. In the past few years I've been dismayed by systematic closure of libraries across the country, targeted by short-termist local councils looking for easy budget cuts. Luckily for me my local library is still open for business and it's not half bad. It's friendly, vibrant and a nice place to visit. The library is housed within the Croydon Clock Tower Arts Centre which is a truly beautiful building. The librarians are helpful, if a little stern, but maybe that's just me reacting to having to be quiet for once! The children's section in the library is bright, cosy, well stocked with old faithfuls and a few newbies as well. If you're a student it's not so great, as I found out when I was at night school, getting my degree awhile back. A lot of the standard text books I needed were out of date (an unfortunate testament to those darn council cuts!) and the computers (which you have to book) aren't strictly top of the line. Photocopying costs 5p a sheet, buy yourself a photocopier card if you are photocopying chapters and also to save you messing around asking for change! Overview the library may not be the coolest place in the world to hang out, but it remains an essential part of our local community and I hope it remains for many years to come.

Croydon Library really sets the standard for public libraries. Located across three floors in…read moreCroydon Clocktower, with a separate children's library on the ground floor, it really has something for everyone. In addition to the books, CDs and DVDs (which include films, instruction videos and recordings of opera and dance), the library also houses a local studies section with extensive records of Croydon's history, as well as the tourist information office. Internet access is free and there are lots of computers for public use; if you have your own laptop, you can also take it along and borrow a circuit-breaker to plug it in. Desk space can be at a premium, however - particularly at weekends and during school holidays. Overall, though, it's an excellent resource and something I'm quite proud to have in Croydon.

I'm going to come right out and say it:…read more I think that libraries are one of the most important things we've ever come up with. So, yes, maybe I'm biased. This is the Tate (yes, as in THAT Tate) memorial library-- he didn't just endow the museum, he endowed three libraries in South London. It's a gorgeous old Victorian building, with lovely, knowledgeable staff, and a generally excellent selection of books and whatnot. They will, of course, get you anything in the Lambeth Library world. But that's not all! Free wifi! (usually) clean toilets! Computers! Books? Fiction. Nonfiction. Graphic novels. Training for the Life in the UK test. Job centre. Book reading groups. The librarians will engage with you, suggest books for you, and ask your opinion of books. They put up brilliant displays of local history (including a recent history of the Brixton Riots). What else? They have a LOYALTY CARD SCEME. I know. It's a library. They give you stuff for free. What on earth would you want with a loyalty card scheme? See, if you borrow anything five times, you'll get a DVD or audio music rental for free. I'm sure they have more. They're a brilliant resource full of lovely people. Write your MP, councillor, etc. and save them. It's probably the best use of your tax money.

Well placed library in the centre of Brixton, right next door to the legendary Ritzy Cinema…read more The library has normal books for loan as well as reference book also. One of the most pleasing areas is upstairs in the study / computer room to the left of the main staircase. Once inside there is gorgeous winding staircase leading up to what looks like part of the reference library. It was cordoned off last time I was there, so sadly I didn't get to have a poke around. Thinking about it I'm not sure that it's ever seen it accessible to the public, I'll have to go back and have another look!

It's worth a trip up mountainous Herne Hill Road to catch a glimpse of this lovely old building. I…read morerecently moved to the area and joined up - it's part of the Lambeth group which also include Brixton and Clapham libraries - finding there to be a fairly small but surprisingly eclectic and nicely presented selection of books, some DVDs and lots of quiet places to sit and read/study/rest from the slog up the hill. It's probably easier for me to drop off my finished books in Brixton, and there's definitely more to choose from at other libraries in Lambeth, but once in a while I'll certainly be back to Carnegie. Might take the bus though

Several years ago, Lambeth tried to close down many of its libraries, one of which being the…read moreCarnegie. Many protests and petitions later, it remains an operational library. The building is perhaps more impressive than the books it houses. This imposing, grand early Edwardian building rather stands out in this heavily residential area of Herne Hill. Despite living practically next door, I very rarely actually use the library. The selection of books is not the largest but they still have a reasonable range, while the books that they do not have can be ordered in. They do however, have a really good children's room with books for all ages. I do feel rather connected to the library in some way. It is not fantastic but quite a significant part of the community.

For a small local library, West Norwood is pretty good. There's a steady trickle of new fiction…read moretitles and I've often seen current bestsellers sitting on the shelf waiting for the first reader. There are only about 10 public computers which means that it isn't full of dodgy blokes treating the place like an internet cafe, it's actually very pleasant. There's a nice central courtyard and they open the doors in the summer and you can sit there and read.

THE PRODIGALS THE PRODIGALS was screened at Nettleford…read morehall. This offers a range of facilities as it is quite bug. Many screening and educational question and answer session take place and is attached to the west Norwood Library. THE PRODIGALS is based on three teenage/young adults who leave home and learn life the hard way (not that there is a nice way to learn life). The short is overflowing with new up and coming English actors mainly based in South London. The short film looks very promising and there are rumours of there being a theatre production of the short. THE PRODIGALS is currently a movement and is currently only screened in schools and youth clubs. To find out more about the short film, visit their website http://www.theprodigals.co.uk , it not only looks good. It IS good!

New, shiny, clean, quiet, friendly…read more You can also rent DVDs for a small fee.

Lovely staff with easy to use self service machines. Airy, well lit and nicely laid out. The study…read moreand computer areas are generally quiet, however the most common rule breakers are the librarians themselves! I've never used them but know there are children's reading groups and a wide selection of foreign language and local literature. What I would like to see is a silent reading area with comfy chairs to relax in

The library is well stocked and they can usually get something that's not available on the floor…read more Its also easy to reserve. The staff are nice and helpful although there's one guy (older, bearded, glasses) who's really snarky, does the bare minimum to help, and talks to you like you're an idiot - strongly suggest avoiding him.

Having joined the Balham library a few weeks ago, I already managed to accumulate charges for one…read morebook. The joining process was easy enough...and yes they have warned me of the charges. I just forgot. I know ... I'm hopeless. The library in itself offers a wide range of literature and DVDs and also has a bestseller lending scheme. The more popular books have only a 2 week lending time and cannot be renewed. It gives more people the option to borrow it, but it got me in trouble as I forgot to give it back on time. Next to the usual volunteers at the lending desks, they also have an automated borrow and return system ... I guess it will come in handy in the few case you're too embarrassed with your reading choices to go to the lending desk. Balham library also offers free Wi-Fi and you can book a computer to use the Internet. As many other libraries these days it also offers courses in many different topics and has reading groups and kids time.