We took part in a walking tour of Liverpool with a wonderful guide and were lucky to have had an…read moreextended stop here in the Liverpool Central Library. What a gorgeous place with so much history! When you look at the building from the outside, you would never know, like many other sites in Liverpool, it was hit by firebombs during the blitz in 1941. Most of the inside had to be rebuilt with the exception of a couple well-preserved victorian-styled rooms. The damaged areas initially were rebuilt in a very uninviting way: having few windows, it was very dark so it was difficult to read the very books it held! The library had a make-over and re-opened in 2013 with lots of windows in a gorgeous, bright atrium with interesting Harry Potter-like stairways. We toured a special room which held extremely rare books including the The Birds of America by John James Audubon which is on display and features life-sized hand colored prints - one of the most expensive books in the world! We also toured the Picton Reading Room which was supposedly designed so that its unique acoustics can send a whisper echoing around the entire space. If I lived in Liverpool, I would be spending a lot of time at this library!

I've always loved this building ever since I moved to Liverpool in 1999 but since it's renovation…read morefrequenting this place has become even more of a pleasure. It's main central section (which is on four floors), bathed with light from the magnificent domed, glass roof above, is beautifully laid out and draws one in to look closer at the stacks and special displays. But the real delight (in my opinion) is to the right as you walk into the building, namely the Hornby Library, Oak Room (housing the famous and incredibly valuable Audubon's 19th 'Birds of America' illustrated book - well worth a look along with several other precious items in this area) and Picton Reading Room which is without doubt one of the most beautiful spaces in Liverpool. The children's library, housed underneath the Picton Reading Rooms, is also wonderful - a really great place to take your little ones for some cerebral stimulation. The icing on the cake of this stunning building however is the roof terrace on the fourth floor, accessible to everyone. The views are simply breathtaking, particularly on a sunny day. And the added bonus? There's a nice, spacious Costa coffee area to the left on the ground floor and a delightful outdoor terrace looking out over William Brown Street and St John's Garden's where you can read your chosen book and sip a very pleasant latte or cup of tea in the sunshine. Liverpool at its best? Without doubt.

Birkenhead Library, opened in 1934, is a pretty impressive building. It is looking a little tired…read morelately and could do with a bit of attention, but it is beautiful nonetheless. The library is one of 24 on the Wirral and offers a substantial number of books as well as an extensive media section. There are a number of computers with free internet access to library members. As I have a couple of local libraries within walking distance, as well as my univeristy and the city's central library in town, I tend not to use Birkenhead Library for academic purposes, however, on occasion, this has been the only library around which has a required text in stock. As well as this the archive and local history section are quite extensive and have proved useful to my genealogical research. One of my main reasons for visiting, for example was to view the book of rememberance, kept in the foyer, which contans the lists of local men lost in the war, my great uncle is amongst the names. The library is open until 8 o'clock every day, including Sunday. CLOSED WEDNESDAYS

Birkenhead Central Library has always been a place where I could relax,meander among the books,pick…read moreup this,pick up that. My son lived there when he was studying for his various exams. Now a grown man he often speaks of The Central Library with deep affection and gratitude. Since the building has been improved with many nice touches,especially the comfort of the foyer and decent toilets it is somewhere to shed the hustle and bustle and cares of the world. I am a Friend of the Library and admire the work the staff put in to provide interesting talks and ethnic days. It is a gem. To even think of closing it would be a crime against the people of Birkenhead.

I spent the majority of my degree inside these walls, (or so I'd have my tutors believe) and…read morealthough I loathed it, I did grow to feel affectionately towards it. So, the facts... It's been recently refurbished and had a good £20 million spent on it! There are seats for 600 readers and approx. 420 computers (not that you'd think it around exam time...good luck getting a PC unless you're early, that's all I'm saying!) They have loads of bookable private study rooms so that you won't be disturbed and a cafe downstairs to refuel and re-energise with a coffee. The staff are really friendly and exceptionally helpful. The special collections are amazing, have to use gloves to see the first editions and the have some real gems hidden away down there. The stacks down in the basement are rather scary I'm always scared that someone has followed me down and is going to wheel the shelves back together when I'm inside...luckily I'm still here! It's a great environment to study and they also have couches out in the more social and non-silent areas so that you can have group discussions or just a well-earned gossip with a mate! There must be more books than anyone can read in a lifetime in here, but so many great critical works. Get in on the best library for the Arts Ever.* *Possible exaggeration, but I love it! (Yes, I'm a bit of a geek.)

Having spent much of my degree time using the Harold Cohen Library, it was only in the last year or…read moreso, I began to use more of the Sydney Jones Library. Firstly, this was because the Sydney Jones wasn't suited for my subject course and secondly it was located further away from my department. Nevertheless, I preferred the Sydney Jones to the Harold Cohen as it was more spacious and more recently renovated and expanded, now even hosting a cafe. I liked their new computer suites in particular since there wasn't that crammed feel about it compared to the Harold Cohen. Plus, there are comfy sofas available to sit back and relax during a stressful day, usually with a friend or two. I miss it now! Full marks for Sydney Jones; the expansion of the library is really impressive.

What an amazing and historic landmark! I would recommend anyone tour through the Library. The…read morearchitecture is beautiful and the rare manuscripts and artifacts they house are incredible. They are having a special display of one of Shakespeare's plays, one of the oldest New Testaments, even artifacts from King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They will all be on display which will be quite amazing to see. This is a must see in Manchester! Truly amazing how it has stood the test of time.

Love spending time in libraries while on holiday (vacation) Stunning late-Victorian neo-Gothic…read morelibrary , John Rylands Library opened at the turn of the 20th century and is a gorgeous remnant of Manchester. Potter-heads would appreciate the look and feel inside the library is inspired the design for Hogwarts. I'm not sure if the Factory Records exhibit is still on display, but I'm a huge fan of Factory Records bands (ie. New Order, Joy Division, Happy Mondays etc.) and bands that came out of Manchester, the Smiths, James, Buzzcocks, The Fall to name few. It was an experience seeing original handwritten lyrics, instruments played, old punk zines, photos and badges on display.

I spent many a happy hour here as a child, being as I was, OBSESSED with reading 7 books a week…read more Not sure what happened to me. Probably because I only read boring economics tomes now I've been jaded. I must return and pay my fines sometime.

Widnes Library has a wide range of current, relevant books on offer. Seating is plentiful, and it…read morehas a café which sells cheap tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and food, overlooking an LCD TV. There are crêche facilities avaliable, and regular tuition groups in spanish, guitar and other skills. The childrens library is large, and it is designed specifically for children in mind, with a lots of books, toys and a relevant colour scheme. There are computers on the top and bottom floor, each with a relatively uncensored access to the internet.

What a beautiful old building; up the steps and inside it's a little musty and only a small room,…read morebut nevertheless it's dedicated to books of all genres. I noted the main sections were seemingly quite fitting to village life, from hobbies, to cookery and gardening. Anyone a fan of Delia? She features here plenty. They also had a great little history section and the fiction wound it's way around the outside of the room- lots of choice here but if you're a frequent visitor and a fast reader you may need to travel further afield to find something new!

Helpful staff and good selection of books! old building with lots of history and great information…read moreof the history of woolton

How lucky am I to have this as my local library?! It really is completely charming. Yes, ok, maybe…read morethe selection available isn't as amazing as bigger libraries but for a small, community library I think it's pretty damn good actually. The layout of the interior of this gorgeous faux Tudor building is simple and tidy and because of it's relatively small size, browsing the whole collection isn't overwhelming. The last time I went in to find a book for the latest gathering of the book club I'm a member of there was a lovely display of literary classics (by coincidence that was our book club theme that month). Although I wasn't able to take out either of the books I had planned to because they were already out (hardly surprising with them being classics!) I was able to take out two other great books that fitted the bill. Add to this that the friendly and incredibly helpful woman behind the desk told me about the great Book Club borrowing facility they have there - 20 copies of dozens of great titles for book clubs that want to sign up. I think we will! This place is such a little gem and with it being so close to Lark Lane and Sefton Park it's a gorgeous little stop off on a nice day after a leisurely stroll...or even better, pop in, pick up a book then ensconce yourself either in one of the lovely bars on Lark Lane or on a blanket in the park and get reading!

I was at the library yesterday, it was my first time being there. The ambience and warmth of the…read morestaff was breath taking. Really loved the arrangement of the children's section. Thumbs up guys!!! Steve .O

This library is not huge, but it's larger than some small town libraries, and I was pleased with…read morethe service despite the lack of books. Librarians are friendly and helpful, and there are computer stations where you can use the internet for a small charge, but you do need to register to do so before hand. There was a fairly nice craft book selection compared with some, like the Walton library, which is an important factor for me when determining how often I'll visit a particular library. Fiction and children's sections were kind of lacking, which is a shame because I think that the space could be used more effectively to provide books that are better for kids and adults alike. But I can be over picky since I've worked in two different libraries. I just like to see all the basic classics, a wide range of poetry, classic children's novels that we all grew up reading, etc.

A great library with a great selection of books. Has many conveniences. Available to all ages. They…read morehold brilliant baby sessions and have a wide range of books from adult books to baby picture books.

I've genuinely never left a bad review in my life, but the experience I had at Manchester Central…read morewas beyond disappointing. I came in to print a few pages and was incredibly polite the entire time--even when things kept going wrong. The papers kept coming out incorrectly, but I stayed calm and asked nicely if they could be reprinted. At no point was I rude or demanding. Eventually, the price on the screen didn't match what it should've been, but I even said I'd just pay the higher price to avoid causing trouble. After paying, one of my documents printed completely wrong--an A3 image came out as A2 on an A3 paper, with no visible writing. I pointed it out and explained that I wouldn't pay again for a print that was clearly incorrect. This clearly upset the ginger receptionist at the bottom front desk, who suddenly told me (in a very rude and dismissive tone) to not come to her anymore and that I should take out cash and print everything myself. Even then, I told her it was fine--I actually felt bad for making her print something I didn't pay for, even though it was their machine's error. But on my way back to my seat, I overheard her talking about me to another receptionist, and when I showed the incorrect printout again, another staff member (with shorter hair) said it was my fault. I've never been treated with such disrespect by people in a public service role. You'd expect librarians to be kind, helpful, and professional--but what I experienced was the opposite. I walked out feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, despite being nothing but polite and patient throughout. Absolutely shameful service.

If you're a Manchester resident, whether that be from one of the boroughs of the city, like me who…read moremight have their own unaffiliated library chain, the Manchester Central Library certainly makes it worthwhile to be apart of Manchester City Council's Library programme, which is by far the best library service overall in the Greater Manchester region by availability of the newest books and even individual library locations, like this one. Manchester Central Library is a huge, stunning old building which was recently renovated in 2014 in Manchester city centre, it is just off Deansgate via Peter Street in St Peter's Square meaning it is also close to John Ryland's Library (which has actually been reviewed more on Yelp!) The location basically opposite a branch of Starbucks as well as The Midland Hotel and the Radisson Blu Edwardian, the latter is part of the exclusive few places to actually have warranted a perfect five-star rating from me (and the only accredited 5* hotel in the city centre) The City Library is on the lower floor, but that doesn't mean the rest of the building is left empty - the ground floor features a Cafe which is reasonably priced as well as a cool archive space, which although to the back of the library could be laid out better, it still is a rather nice exhibit. There are some tables and computers making it a decent place to work, obviously with the benefit, you don't have to buy a drink with it being a library building. It was actually built in 1930 here, taking four years to complete and that same length of time was spent on the renovations between 2010 and 2014 and part of the design is based from the Pantheon, Rome, meaning walking into it, it feels like a fancy old building, it reminds me of a typical Apple Store which in large cities are often located in these big, impressive, historic buildings - think of London, Berlin etc. A pretty cool place to spend time without looking to spend too much in the city - although there are some areas of improvement such as the layout and how welcoming certain parts are (certain parts appear derelict), more charging points and helpful staff is always a bonus! 4*

This small town library has very friendly, helpful staff, and a fairly decent selection of modern…read morechildren's books and general fiction. They are pretty lacking in the non fiction department, mainly for lack of space, I'm guessing, and there are not that many classics and older books for those of us who prefer more literary literature. We popped in here to have a browse because I cannot resist any library, but we also asked the front desk for some assistance in figuring out a bus route. They were very helpful and even provided us with a time table for the bus in question.

Not one of the best libraries that I've ever been it, but it's a library nonetheless! As usual with…read moreall the Wirral based libraries, you feel like you've stepped back in time a bit as soon as you wander in, they all need a huge refurbishment! They have computers that still have floppy disk drives in them, yellowing and weathered books and often smell like must! However, they're keeping people happy and that's the main thing! I do wish that Wirral libraries would invest a bit of money into nicer buildings and up to date facilities though. maybe training pensioners how to use computers etc, but on decent computers! There is a quiet study area that students can use at their leisure when they need to get on with some work, a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books and a paid printing facility. Internet is free to all Wirral libraries members for the first half hour when they arrive!