A magnificent and historic library - a wonderful place for scholars and other bookish people.read more

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.

Chislehurst library is a lovely quiet library. It has a really good selection of adult fiction,…read morenon-fiction and children's books. It has got great Reference materials too. You can get free Internet access here, without even needing to get a library card, which is great. They have a lot of local information and leaflets, which they keep up to date. All in all, a great library.

The Chislehurst library is the idealistic library. It is exceptionally quiet and offers the…read moreadvantage of having a few computers. There is an amazing range of books from reference to fiction to non-fiction as well as children's books. Anyone is welcome there due to the range of books and there are areas for children to sit and read. It is also very well situated because it is next to a primary school which will encourage all aged children to read. The library is perfect and is suited to anyone and I would definitely recommend it as your local library and it would be for a very long time.

This is the newest library in Lewisham - situated in the Downham Leisure Centre. It's on 2 levels…read moreand is very modern - great range of books, a computer suite where you can use the internet for free. They have a free film club too which shows adult and children's films for free. It's situated right next to the Costa Coffee so you can get your book out and read with caffeine! There's been some vandalism which is such a shame - the Downham Estate is a rough neighbourhood but having such a brilliant resource right in the middle of it should be respected.

Downham Library has been opened for 2 years now is an innovative library. It's the first library I…read morehave seen that has self issue terminals, where you issue and return your own library books. Downham has always been known to be a rough area, but nevertheless it feels like the staff work hard to engage with the community and make it a place that the residents can call their own. As well there being a good selection of books, DVDs and CDs and talking books, there are always loads of fun craft activities for children and story-times for babies and tots. There are at least 15 computers available for internet access. It's free and easy join the library (just show at least one proof of ID) and anyone can join, i.e.you don't have to be a Lewisham resident to qualify.

This Library is in desperate need of some TLC (Tender Loving Care)!…read more The building itself is fantastic, it's famous amongst people that live near it, and if they were to ever convert it or knock it down there would be uproar. Inside you have computer and internet access (as most libraries do these days) and obviously Books and some CDs etc. The collection of books is poor. An example of this is that the most recent computer book they had there as How to use Windows 2000. This is most probably due to the local Idea Store (Canary Wharf) being given prority. The staff are really friendly and are experts on the world of books, they'll be more than happy to help you find something. You need a membership to borrow books, but it only takes around five minutes to fill in the form!

The Charing Cross Library is on the intersection between Covent Garden, Chinatown and Trafalgar…read moreSquare. It is part of the borough of Westminster and so open its residents, though you can request books for other libraries. The entrance to the building is quite discreet. The library itself is arranged across two floors. On the ground floor are books and DVDs. On the first floor are more books and the computers. The library has a decent fiction section and is notable for its large selection of Chinese language books. Charing Cross library is a small place but does a good job in trying to serve the interests of its community. It is worth visiting, particularly if you are looking for a Chinese language reading book.

This is my local library at work. What distinguishes this library from others is that it stocks a…read morehuge selection of books in Chinese. It also has a lot of manga/comic books, although these are in English and not in Chinese (unfortunately for me, because I am used to reading them in Chinese! Japanese translates better into Chinese than English!) There are two floors, a good selection of books, and they even sort the books into newly arrived, books you should read etc. near the door which I appreciate very much when I am just browsing for a new author. There are computer desks upstairs for use, and mainly reference books and language books there. Stocked downstairs are the Chinese books, Sci Fi/Fantasy/Crime and Children's books. The staff are quite nice and helpful in general, some staff can speak Chinese, of which I'm sure the Chinese community are very appreciative. The book reservation service is also very efficient. They sort it by name and stack the reserved books on a shelf so you can use the self check-out to borrow books. Yes, they have state of the art machines there, doesn't that make you just want to come and visit?

It is impossible to speak to a person since they have locked out all possibilities of speaking to…read moreanyone in the automated system. What they fail to understand is that sometimes you may actually need to if you are unable to visit the store or renew online or over the phone for whatever reason. This also does not help older people. I'm all in favour of using technology in all aspects of life but you need to have a backup and the ability to speak to someone when it's required. It seems staff also favour the approach I mention but Idea Store management and the council are hell bent on continuing this ridiculous and unreasonable policy of no human contact. The services at the branch are actually very good, my poor rating is to ensure that management wake up and see this.

Like the other IDEA STORES (read: libraries that have been branded as stores with funky colors and…read moreplastic bags for carrying your purchases...I mean books) but this one's got more suits and a few more couches. I dig the Learning Labs here, because they're a bit quieter (less kids in the Wharf) and the Internet connection is decent....although not as stellar as the Starbucks connection a few yards away. Go, read, learn, and ideate your brain out here.

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.

Library staff are very helpful and patient. Print services are only 10p/sheet and it's very easy to…read moreprint. The place has no damage penalty for children books and there is a wide selection of books for babies and children covering all subjects such as cooking, caring for babies, songs, tales, etc. There is a very cute children play area inside the library where you can kill time while waiting for some of the children activities which take place at floor -1.

On 5th May 2009, Manor House Library was re-opened by the Mayor of Lewisham following extensive…read morerefurbishment. Well, I have to tell you that the refurbishment was well worth the wait. This Georgian mansion house that was once occupied by Lord Baring is now restored to its glory. The original features like the ornate plasterwork and fireplaces have been beautifully restored, making this library an extremely pleasant place to visit and use. The library itself is well-stocked with brand new books. There are loads of tables and chairs for quiet study and reading and there are 12 computers available for free Internet access. I found that the staff are all very helpful and friendly. I feel very lucky to be able to have this resource so locally to me.