If you’re in the city and looking for a library or two to visit, we’ve featured 10 top public libraries in Central London below.
1. Archway Library
The Archway library is in Islington and is easily accessible by bus, train or tube. There’s a large catalogue of books, music and movies here, and the people of Archway regularly frequent the library to access its services.
Becoming a library member here is easy. You can do it online and pick up your card when it’s ready. Membership will allow you to borrow from the library’s catalogue, access free public computers loaded with MS Office, and use photocopying and printing services. The helpful library staff will even help you with fundamental computer issues and help you set up an email address.
This library is worth a look. Call them today for more information.
2. Blue Anchor Library
There’s a lot on offer at the Blue Anchor Library in Southwark. If you can’t make it to the library in person due to ill health or disability, the library offers a home library service. They also have wheelchair access here.
There are plenty of events on here, and they’re aimed at entertaining the whole family, so there’s sure to be something that you’ll enjoy. They have dedicated study spaces available to use, and when you sign up as a library member, you’ll have access to the entire catalogue, where you’ll be able to borrow books, CDs and DVDs. A library card also gives you access to film streaming, audiobooks and eBooks.
There’s a lot to see here. Drop-in today or contact them to find out more.
3. Shoe Lane Library
The Shoe Lane Library sits right in the heart of the City of London. It is a bustling library open for people of all ages to be educated or entertained by their vast catalogue of books, CDs, DVDs and spoken word recordings.
There’s plenty to do at this library. There’s a lunchtime and evening reading group to enjoy, a Knit and Chat craft group once a month, and many other events. Drop in and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and jump on a public access computer. Plus, there’s a huge dedicated children’s area for the young ones to enjoy.
Call the library for more information today.
4. Swiss Cottage Library
This library in the borough of Camden provides an essential service for people in the local area. You can drop in and use a public access computer without joining as they are on a first-come-first-served basis.
If you need to scan, copy, or print your important documents or photos, you can do that here. You can also browse their extensive catalogue of books, and if you join the library, you’ll be able to take items home to borrow. You can also search through local history and events of Camden’s exciting history.
Call the helpful staff today for more information.
5. Kensington Central Library
The Kensington Central Library sits in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is a bustling library with a charm that keeps the locals coming and the visitors dropping in to use the services.
There are many events here designed specifically for children and young people like Baby Rhyme Time, Storytime and Peer to Peer tutoring for young people who need help with their studies. Need to hire a private space? They have a meeting room, and lecture theatre hire here. As well as having a large catalogue, they also have an extensive CD catalogue here.
If you’d like to find out more, contact the library today.
6. Nunhead Library
This stunning library in the borough of Southwark is open six days a week and offers everything you’d expect in a modern library.
Their catalogue has an extensive range of books, CDs and movies. If you join the library, it will give you access to all their services, including streaming movies, newspapers and magazines, and eBooks and Audiobooks. There are also public access computers and free Wi-Fi to take advantage of as well as access to dedicated study spaces if you need peace.
If you need more information, contact the friendly librarians who are happy to answer any questions.
7. Finsbury Library
The Finsbury Library in the borough of Islington houses several educational facilities, including the Islington Local History Centre, The Islington Museum and The Islington Computer Skills Centre, making it a must-see.
The Computer Skills Centre offers free training sessions, and at this library, there’s also access to printing and photocopying services. If you want to jump on a computer and browse online, you can do that here too. There’s a local history centre in this library also, and it’s a great place to learn about the local area. Plus, they have an extensive catalogue that you can borrow from if you become a member.
There’s something for everyone here. To find out more, call the library today.
8. Camden Town
The Camden Town Library in the Borough of Camden plays a critical role in providing services to the people in the local area.
They have adult and children’s libraries here, so you’ll always find a great book to read for every family member. If you need to do any photocopying or printing, they have the facilities to do that here, and they also have access to public computers that are available for public use. Plus, you can bring your available devices and log in to the free Wi-Fi.
For more information, contact them today.
9. Notting Hill Gate
This library in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is well known for its regular events that are tailored to children and young people.
If you’re a freelancer, business or a remote worker, you may be interested in hiring the co-working spaces available here. There are some fantastic events on for adults too, and if you’d like to come in and read a book, they have an extensive catalogue here. You can also read eBooks, eMagazines, Audiobooks and even eComics. You can also borrow a Samsung Galaxy tablet here.
If you want to know more, call the library today.
10. Queens Park Library
The Queens Park Library is in the City of Westminster and offers a wide range of services and facilities that keep people coming back.
As well as offering photocopying and printing services, there are also a few different reading groups that you can join that encourage reading and robust conversation. It’s very straightforward to join here too, and when you do, you’ll have instant access to everything the library offers, including an extensive catalogue of books, CDs, and DVDs.
It’s worth checking this library out. To find out more, call them today.