I have walked by this building a couple times and for some reason I thought it was a theatre, but discovered I was completely wrong and it was a library. It was raining outside and I was looking for a place to duck in. I tried to look in the window to see what seating was like when I noticed that they had some souvenirs for purchase... including some items with the Magic Roundabout on it.
I went in and there was quite a bit going on. It looked like there were a couple groups in and there were lots of people wandering the collection. I didn't get the chance to go upstairs, but it looks like they have quite a large collection and they have interlibrary loan (I overheard a librarian talking with a patron). There are computers around the wall of the library so people can use the internet or look up books. To the left of the entrance, there is the Tourist Information desk including a large collection of brochures and magazines for tourists for each part of the UK. There was a local section as well. Of course they had the selection of souvenirs that I saw from the outside... Swindon Monopoly, t-shirts, key chains, and coffee mugs with the Magic Roundabout, post cards, and various items for children.
It is a lovely facility and seems to be well used by the public! read more
