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.

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.

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

This is my local library, located slightly off Earl's Court Road on the Old Brompton Road…read more The 70s-built building won't win any prizes for architecture, but the inside is surprisingly light and airy. There's the usual lending and reference sections, and they have a video, DVD and music CD collection, as well as a special children's section and a small internet access section (for members only). Fees apply for videos, DVDs and CDs. Only members can take out books, but anyone can use the reference section. Being relatively small, the stock is a bit limited (especially the local history section) but is adequate for most people. My main use has been to borrow travel guides, of which there's a decent selection. It receives all the major daily newspapers, mostly read by a group of loyal pensioners who seem to go there every day. The library runs reading courses, has a reading group and once a week there's a toddlers' group called 'Baby Rhyme Time'. (I have no idea what goes on there!) The staff seem very pleasant, and there is a meeting room upstairs available for hire by community groups, seating up to 40 people. It's on the C1 bus route, and a few minutes' walk from the 328, 74 and C3 buses. Both Earl's Court and West Brompton stations are about ten minutes' walk away.

My life in the last few months hasn't been particularly action-packed. As a result I've become a…read moreregular visitor to the library. Paddington Library is my local library, though as a library member you can use all the libraries that are within the borough. It is quite a small library, arranged over two floors. The top floor has fiction, some computers, comics and DVDs. The basement floor has more computers, desks, and a diverse, but limited, range of books of other genres. I mostly use the fiction section. It seems to cover most of the classics and key works of significant authors. The DVD section is similarly small but it has a good foreign shelf. Additionally, whilst library staff are generally not famed for their charm the people here are alright.

Large, quiet with very friendly and helpful staff…read more Automatic checkouts and returns are very effective and really speed things up. Quite a large travel section. Food section is smaller. Good range of fiction titles. They will get you books from other Westminster libraries if you request, but there is a holding fee. The online renewal system is extremely handy

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.