Tucked away up one of the side streets that connect Stirchley and Bournville, Stirchley library is…read morefairly small, with a not-that-massive selection of books and a few internet ready computers. One of the only points of novelty I can find about it is that it seems to have exactly the same frontage as the Selly Oak library (now closed) a few miles up the road. There's not a grand deal to talk about, but here's a couple of points about it that may be of interest to you. A fairly large segment of the books seem to be large print, and the children's section definitely looks like the sort of place that would interest little kids. There's probably not a lot of reason to visit this library if you don't actually live in Stirchley. This is probably down to budgeting issues. However, if you do live in the area, I'm sure this library will forefill your expectations of a local library.

For some reason when I have walked past this library before I have always thought it was closed. It…read morejust does not seem obviously open, unless it is just me being oblivious to the world around me! Anyway, after discovering it was in fact open, I decided to go in and take a look around as I am an avid reader and I like going into libraries as they are usually quiet and have a good selection of books. I noticed there they were a few computers inside, which is always handy if you are out and about but need to check something online or need to use a computer. The library itself is fairly small and they did not seem to have a great selection of books, there were not many staff or indeed members of the public inside, which was a bit sad. Overall, it was a fairly basic library.

I have been using Cannock library since moving here 5 years ago. At first it was very inviting with…read morehappy smiling and helpful staff. In recent times the library has been modernised with self service machines and fewer staff and in my opinion this is not a progressive move for the library. The few staff that are left spend their time chatting to each other without regard for library users and no longer give the impression that they are there to help. The books are not returned to the shelves correctly and often the alphabet restarts some way along which is annoying. The self service machines are shut down early so that staff go home on time and yesterday when my husband and I visited the library we were told that we couldn't access the adult area as they were preparing it for redecoration. I feel that again this could have been done outside library hours and not in library user time. On the whole Cannock library no longer gives a personal service to its users and is not welcoming.

Very friendly staff helped my children to use the library for the first time letting me sit back…read moreand watch. Great choice of children's books and multimedia and computer access upstairs for those who need it. Good opening hours with two late nights and Saturday opening too. Good occasional book sales as well.

I honestly thought libraries were meant to be quiet and peaceful so you could study or have serious…read moreplanning or paper work. I didn't realise it's a place where people just meet up to chat away. Staff visitors everywhere. There was even a meeting when I arrived, which is understandable if it's brief, however there was never one peaceful moment.

My local library always welcoming friendly and accommodating and the computer/printing service is…read moreinvaluable to the community.

great service, there is a wide range of books and the staff are always welcoming and friendly and…read moreif they do not stock the book you are after, they will gladly order it for u. the library is twinned with the museum and art gallery so is definitely worth a visit.

it as a bright and colourfull childs area with small chairs and bean bags for the little 1s it also…read moreas computers wich are free to ues but it also as a art galary were it shows local; talent and it is free to go and look around the staf at both of these are frendly and always helpful

This used to be my local library but I didn't visit all that often. I popped in recently and was…read moreastounded by the amount of activities they offer the local community. I'm sure if I still lived in Sheldon I'd be visiting every week. Yes this library still offers all the books, reference material and computers you'd expect but they haven't sat on their laurels and the staff really seem to understand both their current cliental and potential customers. Every Saturday from 2:30pm they offer a board games club followed by a console games exchange. They've understood that loads of people play video games and bring the community together to play swopsies; a genius idea in today's economic climate. Yes they have computers with internet access and even a computer club for those who need extra guidance but the building also has free wi-fi for library card holders - Sheldon Library is the future! They offer a Job Club if you need help with your CVs or job applications and have even extended this to an Enterprise Club. So, if you've had a good business idea and want to turn it into a career then these might be the people to start with.

The craft gallery is located inside Bilston library in Mount Pleasant…read more The Gallery can be accessed from the main entrance, and is located through the doors straight ahead when you enter. The Gallery has many different exhibits that change within a few months, giving the gallery a lot of variety all the time. The Gallery heralds a lot of the Black Country artists and showcases both professional and amateur artwork. There is a museum attached to the gallery as well which takes you through a history of the black country. School visits are very popular in the gallery, but there are lots of times to visit when it is quiet and you can enjoy the wide range of art.

Located in the centre of town, Walsall Central Library is home to adult/children's books, CDs/DVDs,…read morea reference section and computers. Helpful staff are on hand to help out if you can't find what you're looking for. They also put on homework clubs and children's activities

I've always found this building stunning in it's Victorian, gothic design and whilst it's new Tesco…read moreneighbour has provided the library with some benefits it also makes me really sad how joined they are. You can no longer use the original front entrance and so you don't get the same sense of grandeur upon entry through those big arched doors. Instead you enter through Tesco via the super accessible push a button to open doors that make you feel stupid when you can't also just open them by approaching them. Despite these gripes it is still a stunning library. It still has an old counter desk with partition and rather than overly bright strip lighting there is cosy lights over hanging the book cases. This enhances the aesthetic of the building and the beautiful stained glass windows. As the library is so small you feel like you are exploring a little bookshop, one with hidden surprises of a proper coat stand, comfy armchair and oversized tall chair. With books in an array of languages, easily signposted, as well as an upstairs for activities and a toddlers club it is a great little library that feels inviting.

Springhill Library I…read morereturned to Springhill Library to find that shock horror! It had been merged somehow with a Tesco's! Now walking through the joint entrance I was struck by the smell of Donuts, and very nearly followed my nose into the food colussus. Returning to my intended destination I found myself in the tranquil setting of this charming little building with high ceilings and original fixtures. Returning my slightly overdue books I had the chance to look around and soak up the atmosphere and found it to be a very nice place to sit and take in some literature.