A great big traditional library in the centre of town. The main room caters mostly for fiction…read morewhile there are smaller specialist rooms covering local history and social sciences. The staff are always courteous and helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them. One thing to note: there's an old ghost story about one of the lifts being haunted if you believe that sort of thing. I always take the stairs, just in case!

This is Sheffields main library, Its entrance doesn't do it justice as the entrance hall is grand…read morebut could do with some tender loving care. The main library is large and split into sections such as media is in a seperate room just off the main area. There is plenty of choice, with new best sellers being available for one week loan, with most books being three weeks. If its a certain book you are after you can register online and order the book in for collection and also online you can renew. The staff are friendly and helpful too. It does need a little bit of tlc as the interior is a bit dated but it kinda adds to the charm of the place. Also if have time go upstairs to the art gallery asits worth a ponder too.

Libraries are one of those things in life that tend to get over looked. Ok so its less of a…read moreshopping high than buying shoes for example, but I always get such a trill from a really good book. I can get lost in a book for days, if anybody tries to talk to me while I am reading all they will get out of me is a glare, I should wear a do not disturb sign. The fact that you have to give them back after you have read them doesn't matter as you just go and pick up a new one. Set in a lovely building it has that musty smell that all good libraries do, a mixture of dust and knowledge. I have been going here for months and there are still many titles that I am planning to read. They also have a great service where you can renew you books over the phone; you may never need to pay a fine again. Libraries are also the hub of any community and a really good start for getting involved with the people around you.

What an amazing and historic landmark! I would recommend anyone tour through the Library. The…read morearchitecture is beautiful and the rare manuscripts and artifacts they house are incredible. They are having a special display of one of Shakespeare's plays, one of the oldest New Testaments, even artifacts from King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. They will all be on display which will be quite amazing to see. This is a must see in Manchester! Truly amazing how it has stood the test of time.

Love spending time in libraries while on holiday (vacation) Stunning late-Victorian neo-Gothic…read morelibrary , John Rylands Library opened at the turn of the 20th century and is a gorgeous remnant of Manchester. Potter-heads would appreciate the look and feel inside the library is inspired the design for Hogwarts. I'm not sure if the Factory Records exhibit is still on display, but I'm a huge fan of Factory Records bands (ie. New Order, Joy Division, Happy Mondays etc.) and bands that came out of Manchester, the Smiths, James, Buzzcocks, The Fall to name few. It was an experience seeing original handwritten lyrics, instruments played, old punk zines, photos and badges on display.

I've added a photo as before long all will change! sigh…read moreThere are plans to move and update the library. Whether this willbe positive or not, I will let you know. As with most other reviewers her, this library holds so many memories! I went weekly as a child; my children went twice weekly when they were young; and I went every night when I was doing my degree! xx

Whenever I'm away, this is the place I miss the most. I can't wait to get back there at the…read moreweekend! It's a smallish library, but there's a great selection of books, and a good study area with all the reference books to hand. The computer terminals are all internet connected, you just need to get yourself a password. You're only allowed an hour online if there's a queue (and there often is), but hey it's free! The librarians are always friendly and helpful too. The only thing that's missing is Sunday opening and a coffee shop. ;-)

A lovely little library with really great, friendly and helpful staff. My 4 year old loves this…read moreplace! Great selection of books, and the local information on the board is really helpful too.

A large library, probably the biggest in the city, but it has a nice feel about it. Light and airy,…read morewell laid out and conducive to study for those wishing to do so on the premises. A huge stock of books, CDs, DVDs, music and other learning media is readily available. If you cannot find what you are looking for, helpful staff are usually around or you can help yourself at one of the public computer terminals. Self service checkout points can speed up your exit if the library is full and returns can be effected in the same way.

Large, well stocked public library. The children's library…read morehas a good play area for younger children, allowing the older ones to browse and read in peace.

This is a brilliant local library that is staffed by wonderful people who go that extra mile to…read moreprovide service. Nothing is too much trouble. After a visit you leave thinking you are really valued as a customer and a person. It always has a welcoming atmosphere and is treasured by all that use it.

If you're a lover of old books, this might be up your alley. Go check out the old books in the…read moregallery, there are tons of old books there. I'm personally not a huge reader, but I'm sure this will be great for a book lover. When you go in, there are lockers on the side where you haven't got a choice but to lock your bags and jackets away. I was told pictures are allowed (though 1 said yes, the other said no, and had a quick discussion about it). The area that I did go into, was a bit smaller but still neat to look at, though I think there's a much bigger / lavish area. Also, I was told that there was a section which just looks beautiful (like the Harry Potter library, as he said!). There was a section where it looked like you can only enter with a keycard. It was really quiet in the library, and i really regret NOT asking, as I'm sure what was behind the door was this harry potter like reading room and library that I was looking for! Maybe if you ask nicely, you can take a peek? So, NO, i didn't get to see the room of these pics that I've posted up. Not sure how you get in there as I mentioned, it looked as if you need special permission to be in there. Apparently, there are lots of original works housed at this library, including plays. For a £25 membership, you can BORROW these original works. Kinda crazy!!! I'm giving it 5 stars, because, I know the beautiful room is hiding within, maybe another visitor can check it out and see if they've made it behind the doors to that beautiful library room?!

Ramsbottom Library is fantastic I go all the time with my girls, the staff are really helpful and…read moreit is a beautiful library. There are very good facilities, my eldest daughter loves going and choosing books and a dvd each week and my littlist goes to a baby group there each week. Fantastic x

Ramsbottom library is located in the centre of Ramsbottom, and also has car parking. The library is…read moremodern and clean and has a good selection of books and dvd's. The staff are extremely helpful and set up both my children and my accounts quickly. The children's books are on the ground floor, as are the adult fiction section. There are easy chairs and newspapers to read also. Upstairs there is non-fiction and a computer suite, where you can get internet access. There is also a coffee machine - the first I have ever seen in a library! There is also a room for courses that the library run. The library offers friendly service and good resources for a smallish library. I should also mention that you can access your account online and can order books from other libraries in Bury, if they are in the catalogue.

This is a very small library and it seems mostly focused on children. However they do offer limited…read morecomputer use and can order DVD's for you to check out. Books are limited as well, but the library system allows you to order books for checkout and have them delivered to the library for you. There is no parking because it's in the middle of the park. But it's a nice place to bring your kids, and there is a childrens library located next door. Make sure you check the hours on the web if you have never been, sometimes they are closed for lunch or on odd days. It is a nice educational activity for kids and adults alike.

A good selection of books for both adults and children, set in a historical building in a lovely…read morepark. Hillsborough library is set in a historical building and split into two sections - adult section including dvds, books, jigsaws etc. and childrens section. The childrens library also have many events in the school holidays for children to take part in which promote books and learning, as well as a term time toddler group for younger children.