I love this library!! Located next door to the Cashmere Club on Colombo, this City Library is one…read moreof the prettiest, most modern and family friendly. I wish this place opened earlier than 9 am on weekdays (10 am weekdays) as there is always a line forming out front by 8:30, but it is open until 7pm during the week. It's rarely quiet in the front near the cafe, so if you're here to study, head to the back tables; however, be prepared for the noise to amp up once school lets out around 3pm. There are computers available for visitors and members (free 30 min pass for visitors, 1 hour 3x/day for members (which is free!)). You can rent DVDs, TV shows and cd's and new release books (for cost) or check out older books and magazines for free. You are able to remotely download e-books and music for free (or nominal fees depending on popularity) as well as access their databases. Great for people doing research. I come in for the free WiFi to work on my blog while our house is still internetless. I can enjoy my cappuccino anywhere on the premises and don't have to clean up after myself. The cafe has your basic cafe sandwiches and baked goods as well as small snacks and some healthy salad options. There is an outdoor patio, too, if you want to make a phone call. Brought a dog? No worries, tie them up outside near the waterbowls and bike racks. They have a great children's section and I often see classes (arts and crafts/history/etc) being taught in the afternoons for small kids. Anyone can join. They also have video game consoles and two large screen TVs that will have Animal Planet, football or rugby on. The many floor to ceiling windows make this place bright and cheery and the modern decor and earthy color palate relaxes your mind and soul while you study. Love Love Love this library, come check it out!

At the center of Cathedral Square in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Cathedral was built between…read more1864 and 1904, to be the mother church (and seat of the Bishop) of the Anglican diocese of Christchurch. It was severely damaged during the earthquake of 2011 and is currently inaccessible. It is intended to be reinstated, but repairs continue to be on hold because of lack of funding. Since it is at the center of the Square, much of the surrounding square is also inaccessible, fenced by scaffolding and other construction.

Church was damaged by the 2010 earthquake & the damage was extensive. We couldn't get too close as…read morethe church was under wraps, covered in scaffolding and behind fencing. Trucks came in and out of the area and we heard the sounds of a lot of machinery. We went to the fourth floor at the library and went outside to view the damage from above. The whole area around Cathedral Square had visible damage. Many buildings were boarded up and others had construction equipment nearby.

This is Rangiora's only library. It is quaint, but offers a broad range of books to read,…read moreparticularly in the history/travel/geography. This library is catered towards children with a large space for them to be entertained (including a play castle and a giant hot air balloon hanging from the ceiling). Unique to this library is a cultural gallery displaying local artwork. There are a few select computers for public use and ample seating space ranging from cozy chairs to shared table space. Of course, free WiFi 24/7. Unlike other libraries in the Christchurch area, there is no cafe inside and, which is actually refreshing, it is fairly quiet so you won't need headphones to drown out the noise of crying babies and chatter. The space is very bright with full windows on three sides of the building and ceiling rafters. I have not had to request assistance from the help desk, but everyone appears friendly and approachable. I definitely appreciate New Zealand libraries for their laid back atmosphere and the free WiFi! Rangiora Library is closed on Boxing Day.