Local libraries have certainly gone uphill since my day. I was expecting this place to be pretty…read morebasic basic but the first thing that greeted me on entering was a widescreen plasma showing the BBC News channel (on silent obviously). They also have six PCs, all with internet access and one with a scanner. This was what I'd come to use and though I didn't have a library card never mind an appointment, the staff were able to get me straight onto my choice of machine almost instantly on both visits (to be honest I was expecting them to be a bit jobsworth about it); and when I had problems with the scanner, the (younger male naturally) librarian turned out to be a dab hand. The book collection looked a touch small, though there was an extensive library of apparently up to date DVDs (the woman next to me was returning the My Bloody Valentine remake - nice!). One word of warning: if you expect your libraries to be quiet, on both of my visits a group of mothers and toddlers assembled in the children's corner for a singing group. Sweet for two minutes but then it gets a bit much!

I am not an avid library visiter, so to arrive at the Bedminster library was a revalation. The few…read morelibrarys I have frequented in my time have often resulted in my bordom reaching new unheralded levels, and for my sanity to be tested to the limits by the unnatural quiet that seems to exist. However Bedminster has given a fresh new vibe to the library scene. Everything is very welcoming from the outset you feel like you belong there, rather than being an unwanted visitor. The people behind the counter are also very helpful, when I asked for something that one person couldn't find, she then asked each of her co-workers before very apolagetically asking if I could come back in an hour when someone who might know where my mystery request lied returned from thier lunch break. I duely returned, and was welcomed with a smile as the women who served me previousley, she directed me to a new colleague who then immediatley took me to the book I was after and apolagised to any delay I might have suffered. All the apologies were not necissary as it was my own ignorance that rendered me unable to figure out a simple catalogging system. Brilliant library, excellent serivce, and bizzarley a great selection of DVD's!

Bristol's biggest library, though that doesn't mean its huge, has all you would expect. They've got…read morebanks of computers (that get filled up with students from City of Bristol college), obscure local archives, and a comprehensive fiction section. Unexpected bonuses include a wonderful room for working in upstairs, with rows of wooden desks. Silence reigns in this part of the library, and if you need somewhere quiet to get some reading done in the middle of the city, you can go here without having to buy a cup of coffee. They also have a good sheet music section, and a range of CDs and DVDs on offer - no need to go and pay at Blockbusters. A say 'in this part of the library' because its not necessarily the quietest of places. Keen on enticing the entire community, the kids section usually has a toddler screaming. I don't say this critically, libraries are better places when they're a bit lively, but bear this in mind when visiting. There's plenty to choose from here, and they have a catalogue that links up to the rest of the area, so they can order stuff in for you. If you visit for the first time remember to take along a utility bill so they can let you borrow. Bristol Central Library offers everything you'd expect and a few things you wouldn't in a friendly, convivial setting.

The central library is located next to the cathedral on college green and has an extensive…read morecollection of information in a variety of sources. The downstairs houses most of the non fiction material, and also has a small cafe/eating area, where you are also allowed to eat your own food. Upstairs is the reference section and main computer hub. Make sure you book an computer from the host one or you won't be able to log in. The library is pretty large, but just accommodates the amount of people it is required to, and can get pretty busy during the day - I too have been one of those printing out CVs and clogging up the photocopier. The staff here are really friendly and accommodating - they'll help you find exactly what you need to. Don't be afraid to ask!

This is my local when it comes to libraries. It can be found on Whiteladies Road, just up from the…read moreClifton Down Shopping Centre and Railway Station. The selection of books is OK, it's pretty full, but the premises is pretty small, so you're better thinking you'll take out what you find rather than specifically looking for something. Having said that, you can always order books from other libraries in the area. This library also has a small computer section of around eight computers, which are usually not too busy. Be prepared to wait up to half an hour though. The staff are all really friendly and helpful and will explain how to use the resources on offer. If you're looking for something specific however, you're probably better off going to central library.

This is a great little public library, conveniently placed on Whiteladies for everyone who lives at…read morethis end of town. Being that it's not the largest library around (that being Bristol Central Library, on College Green) it obviously can't store a huge amount of books, even though I can occasionally be found in their graphic novel section, going through the old Judge Dread comics that remind me of being 11...anyway what was I saying...Oh yes, the best thing about this library is that they have internet access and printers, so if you're like me and your printer never has any ink in it, you can pop in and print documents for 10 pence a page. The computers do occasionally get booked up, but I have never had to wait too long to use one. Just make sure you take proof of address and some ID if you are not a library member.

During the summer months this place is only good for socialising, and collecting books. The ever…read moregrowing heat outside is brought inside by all the bodies which turns the top two floors into a sauna. The library supplies all the books that a student may need, provided you get there 2 weeks before any essay that you may need to get in. As a rule the people that work there are really nice, except the guys that come round and lock up, they are a bit arsey. The re-vamped downstairs is great and i am a big fan of the sofas etc.

The university library is the library for students and academics. Lots of rules and regulations and…read moreit is easy to build up a fine. I once forgot I had a short loan book for a week and had to pay back £30. oops. There is a good selection of books and all the core textbooks for any course can be found here. The only problem is that there is usually only one copy of each book. Fine during the term when nobody does any work but once essay deadlines start looming, you need to be quick and think ahead in order to even sneak a peek at course books. The staff are friendly and always able to help with any computer or library related trouble. The computer room is fairly small so isn't much use during term time. The library hours are great - opening at 7 am and closing at midnight. This means there really is no excuse not to do your homework!

This part of Clifton is called Clifton Village and the library here does feel like a village…read moreaffair. It's hushed inside, with a few OAPs reading today's newspaper at some of the desks. Innovations away from the traditional library so far stand at a photocopier - they've kep it it simple here. The village feel is enhanced by the small size of the place - there can't be more than 30 yards of book cases in the whole place and the range on offer isn't fantastic. That's not a problem in my opinion to be honest. I'll bring my own books up here just for the quiet here. It's on a busy high street, and simply by setting the building back the Victorian (I think) designer has ensured that none of the business gets in. Come here especially when the slighly ridiculous Clifton café culture gets too much and you want somewhere slightly saner, and without the blast of the coffee machine. Clifton library is an uncluttered community space which feels blissfully old fashioned.

Stepping into this library is akin to stepping into a time warp; old and murky, its Victorian…read morecharacter remains obstinately in tact. Although it is of modest size, the library still has a pretty wide selection of books, a few obligatory computers and, of course, a trusty photocopier. The staff are friendly enough and the place is usually quietly conducive to some silent reading or study time. However, I have witnessed a few excruciatingly noisy mornings here, whereby the venue undergoes a seeming metamorphosis into a crèche. As you can imagine, a group of screaming toddlers in a small space designed for studious pursuits does not bode well. If you have a high tolerance threshold, it's worth a visit...

This library has just had a complete refit (2008) and is kiited out with a couple of PC's for…read moreinternet browsing. The kids section is particualry strong although finding a particular kids book is a nightmare (as always in liabriares). It's probaly the best 'small' library in North Bristol

Just across the road from Waitrose, those in the know might sneakily use the library's car park for…read morea quick spot of shopping at busy periods, before making use of the library. I have many a memory of coming here when I was younger, as I went to school just up the road, and it's always struck as a pretty well stocked place. Their children's section is particularly strong, with further prominent sections on history and crafts. They've recently had a complete refit and modernised the interior, which has given it a brighter and more lively feeling. I've always felt it's little bit lowly lit though, due mainly to only a few windows whose light is obscured by trees, but it's always been appropriately peaceful and staff helpful and accommodating.

What always strikes me about this library is the huge selection of foreign language books,…read moremagazines and newspapers on offer. Excellent because Fishponds is such an ethnically diverse area of the city. It's a small pink building but better than a standard library due to its proximity to UWE and several schools - they upped the intellectual content when they stocked the shelves I reckon. Spoken word CDs, braille, internet connection and an outstanding reference section. What I also find lovely in this day and age (at the risk of sounding like my nan) is the community feel of the place. They have parent-toddler mornings, coffee mornings, book groups, help and advice and so much more. Like a community centre more than a place just to borrow books. For those with an aversion to books and printed matter, they run a whole list of computer courses and you can hire a top DVD for as little as a quid.

Such a gorgeous pink building, and a very well-stocked library. Staff are helpful and you can call…read morebooks in from other libraries in Bristol to here if you find it on their list. They have a few computers with internet connection for a reasonable charge - although one time I was sat next to a man scanning and uploading something to a Reader's Wives website. I kid you not.

Located above Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle, this library is curiously placed. Unless you're…read moremega observant, or had done a bit of library research prior to your outing, it's unlikely you'd acknowledge Knowle Library's existence whilst shopping in the area. Needless to say, this is one of the quietest libraries I've had the pleasure to experience in Bristol. Although the obligatory (and oh so annoying) children's story times still operate here on certain mornings, the place is otherwise a peaceful study haven. The usual array of computers are available for use here, and DVD's can be hired for a pound. The library also owns an exhibition space which it can let out to customers. As for books, here you will find an extensive range for all ages and interests.

Set back from the main Church road in an attractive green 'garden' this one storey building doesn't…read morereally look like a library - more like a school or park cafe. Inside, the space is modern and impeccably organised. I was impressed by the fact that they stock graphic novels alongside the normal fiction and reference sections - very 'down with the kids/geeks' indeed! Still it shows that they've branched out to embrace popular culture and joined the twenty-first century at last. In fact they're all about diversity, they cater well for the elderly, foreign language speakers and children. They run a fun, weekly pre-school storytelling hour for less than a quid per child. On top of all that, the contemporary library is no longer just a place to borrow books. The noticeboard advertises hundreds of adult education, community and IT classes and there's a wall devoted to stunning art exhibitions by local artists. What warms me the most about this library (quite literally) is that in one corner of the room houses a vending machine with hot drinks for 50p each - so you can enjoy a nice hot cuppa while you digest a good read.

I love St George Library! I went regularly with my two children when they were small and they loved…read morechoosing books to borrow before or after running around the fabulous park. My children are 26 and 24 now and continue to enjoy reading and I'm sure the library helped them to foster a life-long love of books. I continue to visit the library to collect books I've reserved for book club, borrow DVDs and use the printing facilities. Long Live Libraries!