Hooray for libraries!

[Dogkennelhillbilly]

Just a short silly one among more prosaic or gloomy posts: libraries are brilliant and we are lucky to have them!

I popped into Dulwich Library this afternoon. It was pretty busy and I'd guess there were probably 40-50 people in, plus however many in the kids' section. All sorts of people were borrowing books, getting their blood pressure checked on the machine, printing documents, using computers, getting out the house and off the street, reading the papers and reference books, whatever. Oldies, kids, students and everyone in between. At exam time, it's a safe space rammed with kids studying.

It's an elegant building, the staff always seem to be doing their best despite the obvious money challenges, it's open late most days, and all for £0 at point of use. We are all very lucky to have access to Dulwich Library and the other libraries! 👏👏👏

[beansprout]

Also has a free film afternoon once a month… shows a range of films.. Free as well. On first floor. Not great toilets but still.. Staff are all very helpful. Have lessons one to one if you need help on most computer issues. Can borrow iPad as well on site - ground floor. Extremely well stocked library with some new titles as well. 

[march46]

Agree! I feel very lucky to live in a borough that has such great libraries. 

[Jenijenjen]

24 minutes ago, march46 said:

Agree! I feel very lucky to live in a borough that has such great libraries. 

and even since Tory austerity, they've been opening new build modern libraries - Canada Water, Camberwell, Una Marson, Grove Vale. 

[hellose5]

hope the feedback goes to the library teams to encourage more libraries and more library use

[redjam]

I'm a massive library fan and particularly love their online book-ordering service. For 60p/book I get to read all the latest hardback fiction that would cost £20+ to buy - you sometimes have to wait a few weeks but it always comes through in the end. Great service.

I also love that elegant, light-filled Victorian building which reminds me of the library of my childhood.

[claresy]

I love the library and go regularly, but noticed recently the fiction shelves were getting depleted. When I asked the reason, I was told that the library was being refurbished (fine) and that there would be fewer books afterwards (to make room for other facilities I think) so they were starting to pare down their stock. This didn't make me happy! While I appreciate the wider role libraries play in the community, surely the  core purpose of a library is the books? The staff suggested I contact Southwark Council about my concerns. I emailed the relevant councillor but never got a reply.

[Penguin68]

9 minutes ago, claresy said:

. I emailed the relevant councillor but never got a reply.

No surprises there then, based on other reports of councillor disengament.