South Friern Library

It is difficult to rate this library because it depends on what you’re looking for.
For children, it’s fantastic. They have a nice selection of children’s books, with a brightly coloured soft area where you can sit and read them in, before checking them out. They also run some activities for children, a singing/​drama kind of thing for toddlers, about which I’ve only every heard positive things. There is a selection of kids DVD’s too, which have a limited, but lovely choice.
For adults, the choice is limited by the size of the library, it isn’t very big, bug nonetheless if you have a proper look you can find something.
The self-​check out and book drop off machines are great, they always work well and they’re not complicated at all to use. There are also a number of PC’s available for use and often you see people doing work on them, or children doing homework.
As a study space, it’s not ideal. They have a large room at the back with tables and chairs, but during exam season it’s hard to find a space because there is only capacity for maybe 10 or 15 people max — you have to get there early to secure a spot. If you have a library card you can access the internet for free, but it logs you out after an hour or so, and then you have to wait 15 minutes before re-​connecting which can be a nuisance. Also, they take a break for an hour in the middle of the day which is a bit awkward if you’re trying to revise, because then you have to go wait somewhere for an hour before coming back. BUT they are open till 8pm one weekday every week, which is good if you need an extra long study session.
All in all, it’s a nice place to be, very clean, both staff and other visitors are friendly, but it’s not the best place for A-​Level or Uni students trying to get in a full day of revision. For everyone else, I highly recommend it.