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

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.

Beech Hill Library has now closed but has reopened as a 'Book-Cycle', free bookshop. The former…read morelibrary is now operated by a 100% volunteer run charity. Book-Cycle Beech Hill has more books than the library ever had. How does it work? ALL books have been donated by people in the community, schools, libraries and shops. There is an amazing choice and it's grows daily. The price you pay is up-to-you! Book-Cycle is donations only. Of course they still have to pay everyday bills, but no wages. The parent charity is www.book-cycle.org

Beech hill library is now run on a voluntary basis where the public can donate books and also take…read morebooks home with them and best of all the service is FREE. the library also hosts local interest groups and is an ideal place to meet up.

St. Helens Local History & Archives Library holds an abundance of records - useful to those…read moreundertaking family history research. The centre is based within the Gamble Building which also has a public library and art gallery on other floors. The history and archives section has many popular resources steeped in history that include local newspapers, Parish registers and photographs. In addition, they have a wide range of other material as well as that of a purely genealogical nature. All information can be accessed through card indices, calendars, bibliographies and information files in the Search Room. There are also friendly and knowledgeable staff available to assist. This library is ideal for anyone wishing to research St. Helens past, whether you wish to trace your family tree or just to have a browse at some interesting archives.

Allerton Library is at the end of all the shops on Allerton Road. A busy little library that you…read morecan walk around in about 1 minute. Small it might be but 100% better than Childwall Library which has definitely seen better days. Allerton Library is modern (it isn't dated on the inside) and well equipped with a computer suite, tables to sit and work or discuss the challenges of the day at and as you would guess many many books. The library is very accessible with a long ramp up to the entrance. There is no waiting about to take your books out, as if you are registered, you can take them out via the self service machine. The opening hours are pretty good Monday to Wednesday, but go a bit down the pan on the remaining days. Longer opening hours on these days would be good, or maybe that is just me - I guess it cannot hope to be a 24hr tesco's.

I may have mentioned this before, but bookshops and libraries make me need the loo if I'm in there…read moretoo long. Something about the bookshelves just makes me wanna go.... Anyway, this is not aided, in the case of Allerton library, by the smallness of it and hence the additional feeling of claustrophobia. From the exterior the building looks shabby and practically abandoned. Inside, it's a little gloomy. Chances are, they've refurbished it since I last went in (at least 5 years ago) but there's a good chance they haven't. Having been somewhere I went to almost on a weekly basis as a kid, I can't imagine it being that inviting in its current state. Still, like I say, it might been brought up to date. Some of the books definitely needed replacing and a few extra staff wouldn't have been a problem. Despite all this, it's a nice enough place for small family outings, and less formidable than the huge main library in town.