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 A lot of the standard text books I needed were out of date (an unfortunate testament to those darn council cuts!)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.

Although I am not an avid reader, unless you count reference books, I do a lot of research in these…read morelovely places of quiet refuge. Often going on the Internet, and looking around at the DVD s and CDs that they loan out. Some of the books they have are rare and out of print, not on Kindle, and not available under Wiki reference either!! This one is open more hours than the previous Council Controlled edit, and is run in conjunction with happy volunteers.

In the Summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011 I was found revising at Purley Library. This was to prepare…read moremyself for the upcoming exams. It was easy and quiet meaning I could get on with work in peace. In the end I received good grades and it was down the the quality working environment in this library. Apart from revision, the library is found in the center of town and offers computers and childrens' reading room; aswell as a great deal of books!

I use this Library occassionly. It has a range of other services…read more An indoor cafe, internet access, and rooms for hire. Of course Virgin Health are upstairs as well.

Excellent town library, large and spacious, good cafe, desks with laptop plug in sockets, free wifi…read morefor members, very good (and cheap) used book shop - highly recommended

Updated library in new complex with Sainsburys so while away some time shopping and then pop in for…read moresome tranquil time and reading. internet usage available-great! staff friendly. easy to park in sainsburys-busy at peak times. always able to help there-good prompt service.

Used to go to this library a lot of times with my mother when I was in primary school-plenty of…read morebooks to choose of many genres and a quiet area make reading books and taking them (having to return them after 2 weeks, I think) very convenient.

Ewell Court Park is a beautiful park with numerous pedestrian entrances. It is lovely for a Sunday…read moremorning stroll in the Summer where you can see children feeding the ducks in the pond and the wildlife around you. There is also a playground and a sports ground in the park. Located in the suburb of Ewell it is a rare piece of green land to be enjoyed by all. There are a few parking spaces by Ewell Court Library or down Lakehurst Road.

This is a beautiful park which has a lovely setting, an ideal place to go for a walk or take the…read morekids to feed the ducks. With plenty of wildlife, you can often see the herron sitting on the island in the middle of the lake. There are squirrels, ducks and plenty of tropical parrots that fly above. If you follow the path it leads to the playground where there are swings and slides for the children. Its a great place for dog walkers, strollers or to take the kids out. There is also a library and a garden centre within the grounds so there is something for everyone. It is my favourite park and is truly a beautiful and harmonious place.