The Chiswick House & Gardens is a beautiful little garden in west London that many people don't…read moreknow about. I have been here during the fall when it is completely quiet, and during their magical lantern festival at night when it is packed with crowds. The grounds are well kept, and the lanterns are most amazing. The lanterns along the little lake are especially stunning thanks to the water reflection, but it's also extremely cold thanks to the water. There are three "rest stops": the cafe upon entrance, the marshmallow roasting station in the middle of the tour (but no warming huts which is desperately needed as it's humid and bone chilling in London), and a small fair ground at the end of the tour with hot food, hot drink, and a ferries wheels. The only problem is that it is so freezing cold, and their inadequate toilets especially for women created a huge problem: long queues, chilling cold temperature inside the loos, and generally uncomfortable dirty conditions. It is to be expected with any festivals but still the organizers could have done a better job at regular cleaning and providing directions.

We just headed here this weekend for the Magical Lantern Festival. Hence my rating and review is of…read morethe festival. However, we did see some gorgeous marble statues and the gardens (what we could see of them in the dark) and Historic House, looked like this place definitely merits another visit. The Magical Lanterns are stunning. After the London Lumiere festival, I was a bit skeptical of what would be on offer. But I was blown away by the displays. Budget 2 hours for the walk itself, especially if you are visiting on a night with crowds. We picked up hot coffees and churros at the entry. Feasted on hot chocolate and hot toddy from Beltane and Pop and roasted marshmallows on the firepit at the midway stop. And there was a good selection of meals at the exit point with a covered marquee to enjoy it in. We however decided that we wanted a proper sit down restaurant that was well warmed for dinner and hence walked across to Chiswick high street for a meal. Do note, that these are all pop ups and food trucks - I assume they are only here during the festival. They do have a permanent coffee shop on the premises that was open. But the number of wailing children on this occasion, kept us away.

Wimbledon Library is conveniently located on the high street but more towards Wimbledon Hill away…read morefrom hussle and bussle. It was opened in 1887 and the building has a very nice feel about it. It has recently undergone a bit of a refurbishment as previously it did look a little cramped in the main area. The usual areas are all there with Non-fiction, fiction, reference. I have used it quite a bit for studying in. The study section is located at the back of the library and there are a fair number of desks. The newspapers are also in that area so it can get quite busy. The library is all on one floor and off to one side is the Internet section. If your a registered user you can get an hour a day on the internet. It obviously is fairly busy during peak time but the 1 hour limit helps. I am not a parent but the library does have a good childrens section and often there are workshops happening for mothers and babies/kids. Another good thing is the library is on the Merton library website so you can search for books online and I believe they are adding online renewals.

Free internet Quiet(ish) working area…read moreFree computers No public toilets!!! so don't stay too long

Good bookshops are dangerous places, and Daunt Books is one of the most dangerous of all. You can…read morelose yourself for hours, browsing through the recommendations temptingly laid out on tables. And while you're queuing to pay, there are more temptations on your way to the till - for book junkies this is worse than the sweet counters in supermarkets! Daunt Books is a small chain of independent booksellers with an emphasis on travel and literature. I like the way they curate their shops and always succeed to find a gift here - but not without buying one or two books to keep myself.

A trip to Holland Park is in order when I feel like I want to treat myself to a view of upscale…read morehomes, eat fancy deli foods, and, a recent discovery, peruse the Daunt bookshop outpost tucked into the main drag there. Compared to the Marylebone locale--the only other Daunt that I've visited--this shop is smaller, quainter, and, on my trip, super quiet. Ahh. I found an interesting-looking book, 'Mendelssohn Is on the Roof', quickly bought it and went on my merry way. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/05/books/trying-to-murder-a-statue.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

One of the best things about living in England, at least for a bookworm like me, is the ability to…read morevisit a public library and borrow a book for free, to enjoy it, to return it when you're finished, and to start all over again. Since I moved to Hammersmith, I've used this library time and time again. And it's most definitely saved me a lot of money, which would otherwise have gone on new books I have no room to keep. The staff are always friendly and have helped me on the rare occasions I've been hunting for a specific book. The range of books is pretty good, although there are times when I wish the library was a bit bigger. The thing that makes this much less of a problem than I would have expected, is that Hammersmith Library is part of the network of Hammersmith and Fulham libraries - so if the book isn't here, it may well be somewhere else. It involves a bit of searching, and either an extra walk or an extra wait to get hold of a book that's not in your nearest branch immediately. But the system improves the choice so much that that's never really a problem.

Pretty useless library. Doesn't even have a desk area you can sit down at and plug your laptop in!…read moreI'd say go and try one of the other libraries close by as this one will disappoint! Also they have a way over the top process to get a library card, you need a bank statement as proof of address! Ha, I almost spat in her face when she said that.

This is one of the most well-stocked public libraries I have used…read more It is crammed with all manner of lendable materials and they host useful community talks. The extensive bilingual section for children was extremely helpful to me when I was teaching in primary school. There is a great range of DVDs, language instruction materials and local area information. One star off for the staff. Not unwilling to help, but mostly unable. When I smile and say good afternoon, it is nice to have it reciprocated. That has never happened to me here.

Great library. It's improved immeasurably since it's refit, and it has a great stock of books. The…read moregraphic novel section in particular is very good with a great selection of alternative titles as well as the usual suspects. The staff are helpful and there's a nice atmosphere. There's a fair few PCs too, and members can use the internet for free.

The library has just re-opened, after several months closure for redecorating and renewal With a…read moremuch fresher, brighter look, newly up-to-date and more inviting, or in the words of a librarian:it looks as if it's had a spring clean. There are two welcolmingly comfy-looking, brown leather sofas, centre-stage as you come-in; you can also now self check-out or return books (very modern!). A good number of internet access PCs are available, and can be booked for use free-of-charge, within a time limit. In addition, there's also a decent selection of newspapers and periodicals for browsing and a comprehensive reference section. It's open every day, except Wednesday, with two late nights per week.

The local library I found not only useful for books but many more added values, which I discovered…read morebit by bit. The Fulham Library has a photocopier black and white - which is of course practical on a Sunday. Not having had Internet at my place, I regularly was able to book free Internet sessions - make sure you book in advance over the phone... The book selection is alright, but very small, more for a pensioner who wants to look up which bird he spotted or books for children. If you need to do professional research the British Library or Royal College of Arts library is the cream of the crop. Upstairs there is a study room all in dark wood reading lamps. In fact very beautiful and ideal if you need to spend some time studying in silence - there your will get peace and silence - if you do not apply to the rules you will get kicked out. The documents stored in the wooden shelving there are only to be studied in the library and not to be borrowed.

I don't have all that much basis for comparison - you tell me is this better or worse than most…read moreLondon council libraries? As a resource though I find it to be pretty useful - easier than dots to join up and the selection is pretty good. They have the usual mix of bestsellers, classics, factual and research books, general academic, foreign language, graphic and children's books. They also provide some local community services like free internet access and a big study room upstairs. I've been up there a couple of times to try to work without the distractions of a coffee shop or my internet connection at home but honestly it's a bit too much like uni for my liking - mostly students when I was in. Still - a good place to join if you are local and want to share all your books with your neighbors. Via the library middle man obviously so don't worry you won't have to talk to them.

Everyday the library works hard to keep you and your private information safe and secure by…read morepreventing unauthorized access to your personal profile. Why would you want be anywhere else? Today, I visit the library to observe the events seminar, however, it isn't ready. Such is life!

I came here on a whim in search of a good place to bunker down and get some work done. I am not a…read moremember of this library but they have a good selection of books, movies, and CDs that I was impressed by...it made me want to join the library membership program. There were very large tables on the second floor that had plenty of space to spread out your stuff. The room was fairly quiet and there was a variety of open seats and tables. The room got a good deal of light and the courtyard outside is very beautiful. I would definitely recommend checking out this place.

I really don't like this library. I think it was put in in the 80's and hasn't changed since…read more This place just lacks character. In my opinion a library should be relaxing and inspirational and this library is lacking in both. Good location right in the centre of town and quite a vast selection of books and multimedia access. When i was younger i never liked libraries and i personally think it was because i was taken here by my parents and with my primary school.

Hounslow is not the most upmarket of places but it has something that not many suburbs of London…read moreshare - an exceptional library service. And the central library in the Treaty Centre is the best of them all. It is well stocked with all kinds of fiction and reference books. There are books and DVDs in many languages, especially South Asian languages and the staff is unfailingly helpful and polite. You can order any book in the catalogue online and be informed by post or email free of charge when it arrives at your library of choice. A truly splendid service.