Previous reviewer may not have realised that Somerset Performing Arts Library (PAL) is only the…read moretop floor of the building. The study carrels, internet access etc are part of Yeovil main public library, ground and first floors. The PAL is on the top floor, and is the only one in the south west apart from odd shelves in other libraries. This one has an entire floor, with dedicated staff, and huge stocks behind the desk which you don't see till they roll out the shelving. There's also a Sibelius computer with lots of fancy software for composing and printing music, and again helpful staff to guide you. I'm an acoustic musician & haven't used Sibelius but I go in to do some of my own work most weeks and love it. Fine modern architecture, big arched windows so the work-space. about 5m square, is light and airy. They stock playscripts, music scores, CDs and books about performing arts. You can borrow sets of music scores & playscripts (up to 30 copies) for your group if you register -- costs £30 a year, unlimited borrowing, I think -- or one copy at £1 a time. CDs and ordinary books can be borrowed with the usual free Somerset library card. Content ranges from all the classics, Shakespeare and Beethoven and whatnot, to modern jazz, early music, 20th-cent theatre. Some contemp e.g. rap, garage, but you can't expect a public library to spend lots of taxpayers' money on CDs that may not be current in a year. Hundreds of books on performing arts covering time from prehistoric to modern, and space from every known country to cyberspace, religion and psychology. Best aspect of PAL for me is the energy the hard-working staff put in to real arts. They run (or host) reading groups for all ages, knit-and-stitch and art groups, basic guitar / composing / singing, and a variety of one-off seasonal sessions such as Shakespeare and Jane Austen (each with historical dancing), Diwali festival, mumming plays etc -- all on practically no budget, normal for libraries these days. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that they've had to cut down opening hours to 0.75 week, so check before you visit. If you need a score, playscript, or book on mediaeval music, they'll have it!

S. P. A. library is a decent library for the local community. It can be used from non members,…read morehowever loan is not available and internet access is limited up to 5 minutes or 20 depending the demand at that time. In order to become a membe you must live in Yeovil. Members can enjoy free internet access, dvd rentals and can also loan books. The library atmosphere is pleasant and quiet. It has special study rooms with glass doors but they are too small and definetely not recommended for people who are claustrophobic. You can find books for all sectors of interest but the variety is not big enough at least for me.

This is quite a large modern-looking library situated above the Podium shopping centre in Bath…read more The library is in an attractive Bath Stone Building with large plate glass windows. The library also hosts events, for example local authors visiting to talk about their latest novels.

I've been disappointed with the choice of books here on a number of occasions. The study area is…read moregood but it's used by so many loud students that it makes it difficult to work here. The staff deal with it, but the students keep up their behaviour. It's frustrating. Lots of space and not many books. I hope they get lots of funding! I really like the staff here. :D I love the online renewal system.

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!

I hadn't been to a library in a long time when I went to Trowbridge Library to enrol. I found the…read morestaff extremely helpful and courteous, happy to spend time with you and help you find what you need. The enrolment process was very easy just needed a bill with your name and address and driving license I think and they sign you up there and then. It's not a huge place but they have a good selection of books and also they have a reference library a hundred metres away that you can use. As well as books the library also has dvd's, videos and cd's which you can rent for a week or overnight the books you can take out for 3 weeks and you can renew online up to twice which is really handy. Also, they have an electronic system of checking items out which saves time.

Over the years I've moved house a fair bit and, believing that they are an important part of the…read morecommunity, have always made full use of my local library, wherever I am. Highcliffe Library is, without doubt, the best library I have ever been a member of, which considering it is tiny, is pretty good going. The staff are friendly - nothing ever seems too much trouble for them - and kids are made to feel geniunely welcome, even when they're running up and down! The room at the back of the library is set aside for children's books and has been lovingly decorated with posters and pictures, with bean bags and cushions strewn on the floor to encourage even the most reluctant of young readers. For the real little ones, there's always a tub of crayons and colouring activities which change from week to week, and regular storytime sessions.

I have to say I think our library is rather excellent…read more It is over two floors, with the grown up section and reference library on the lower floor. It is roomy and light, with sofas for reading and various chairs scattered around. There is also the audio library, the DVD and CD section. Upstairs is the internet room, next to which is a 'chill zone' - there are magasines here and comfy sofas and seats with a small snack bar. Also here is the childrens library. It's rather noisy! There is a great selection of authors and titles. There are bean bags and small chairs. My daughter knows her way round the library like a pro, and I sometimes lose track of her. But all I have to do is sit down and wait, and I know I'll find her! There is an information point in the far corner of the reference section and in the foyer are various posters giving information about useful clubs, associations, groups and courses.

Poole's central library sits proudly above the bus station and dolphin centre and I the largest in…read morethe area. After recent overhauls and refurbishments the library is now spaciously set out with easy to understand and clearly marked sections. On the first floor is the main library with plenty of room to sit and read for a while as well as the CD and DVD are where for a small charge (and less than video stores) you can borrow movies and music albums. Up stairs is the children's library as well as the internet access room and a small café selling coffees and a few snacks. The staff here are great and always willing to help making visits always pleasurable, with plenty of choices.

Great place to have a quiet read. They also have a weight machine where you check your BMI for…read morefree. There is also a Coffee shop on the premise If you need a drink.

This is a fair sized library with a good selection of books. Last time I went to Taunton Library I…read morefound 5 good fiction books within about a minute and some of them were very new titles. They were also doing a lucky dip where you borrow a book that's wrapped in brown paper so that you can read a book you wouldn't normally choose. The one I got looks ok but I haven't started it yet.

This is a massive library full of nearly all of the books that you could ever want, from all genres…read moreof books, the good and the bad, the historical and the fantasy worlds to escape into. This new improved building is about four floors high or more, and it is a much more stylish facility than the last central library. It has taken a while to come into action, but it is finally here... ready and waiting... Well it has been for a while actually. You can take; up to twenty books out each time you do so and you can have them on loan for several weeks, you just need to keep renewing them either by phone or by going online. The staff are on board and are on the ball, very friendly and very helpful. You just have to be confident to ask them for help, they can't read your minds you know... There are plenty of computers accessible and plenty of screens to scan your books under and to take them back that way to. Great for all ages...

Defiantly one of the best libraries I have been too. Its really open and airy with great views over…read morethe city below. There is no stuffiness about this place at all. You're not going to get shushed by batty old librarians and the staff are really very helpful. Its so easy to get books out, reserve what you want and drop it back quickly. You can also borrow CD's and DVD's too. Its got free wi-fi throughout, loads of computers for the public to use and even a grand piano for you to practice on! Its also got plenty of drinks machines and places to relax. Its a real haven within the city.

Wells has a lovely Library located just off the central high street. The Library offers DVD's CD's…read moreand books for the public to borrow at mo cost. Members join the Library free by filling in an application form they then receive a card with can be used to borrow items. The Library is well stocked with a huge range of books on different topics. There is parking available in the car park located behind the Library but this is pay and display. The staffs in the Library are very helpful and will search the system to locate specific books if you request it. They will also help you find books within the Library. The staffs are always very polite, look smart they are very friendly, and love children.