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 A lot of the standard text books I needed were out of date (an unfortunate testament to those darn council cuts!)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

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

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 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.

Now attempting to give itself a 'cultural makeover', this is essentially a glorious old building -…read morebuilt originally for normal people to meet up and learn - is now being almost swallowed by the glass and steel towers of the City. The building itself has the look and feel of Victorian England, that when you round the lovely corridors to the library, it's exactly as you'd expect. One of those libraries which just wants to make you stay quiet, of your own volition. It's got the hallowed smell of old books (of which there is A LOT) and nicely varnished wood. The stock is mainly about local interest and the history of London. They also have a dance studio and courses on offer here - check the website - but I came to use the library. If you need a quiet space for an afternoon to read something or do some research, you should wile away the hours in here. It's really really lovely!

This review is for the library only, sadly I have only looked longingly at the course offerings and…read morenot taken any (yet). The library is such a gem in ever odd spitalfields area full of old pubs, over-priced fashion shops, and financial corporations. The library is FREE to everyone and is exactly what a library should be: Well-lit, full of old books, packed with long study tables, equipped with free WiFi, and most importantly QUIET. Also, if you are on the hunt for a cute librarian to date, they have quite a few! The only downside is the hours. They have recently extended their hours to Saturday, but itis hard to fit my insomnia into their opening hours. The schedule is: Monday- Thursday: 10:00 to 17:30 Friday: 10:00 to 14:00 Saturday: 10:00 to 17:30 Sunday: Closed

A nice local library, with a good range of books and nice features such as "100 albums you must…read morelisten too". The geek in me also like the automation, you can check the books out yourself and a you return the books to a robot which then send the books to the appropriate trolley, you can also ask them to p t your email address on the system so when your book is overdue it will email you, it must be said it would make more sense though if it told you before it was overdue. they also have activity for the kids like baby "bounce and rhyme" and they also have a drop-box so you can return your books out of hours

Libraries are gifts to those suffering from penury; i.e. students. Streatham Library is no…read moreexception. They have loads of books and CDs on a wealth of subjects that will satisfy the need for knowledge for all types of inquiring minds. One thing that sets this library apart from others is their impressive DVD collection; Blockbuster pales in comparison. Streatham Library has hundreds of new and classic mainstream and underground movies to choose from and they usually let you check them out for about £1.50 a pop. So, instead of getting ripped off at the cinema or at your local video rental store, go to this library, you'll be surprised at what you can find.

I was born in 1941 and went to Sunnyhill Road School and then on to Rosa Basset Grammar School. I…read morewalked home past the library every school day and at least twice a week from age seven I spent time in the library usually reading for about an hour and then checking out my books. What a wonderful library this is and what a haven it was. I've lived in Montreal, New York and now Los Angeles for the last 5O or so years but my memories of Streatham Library on a cold, rainy day are so fond.

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.

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.

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.