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.

[beansprout]

30 minutes ago, claresy said:

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.

Well Carneige Library went through carnage a few years ago.. basement which had toilet facilities - just refurbished all ripped out to make way for health club - private of course. Hours of opening reduced… lock in protest that hit press against refurb plans! Now library much smaller than it was, community rooms available to hire - not cheap.. but folk now us rhe whole building as combination of library and community - choir, yoga/Pilates classes, stop in on certain days for health advice, etc.. cafe only serves tea/coffee and cakes as kitchen gutted! Hours of opening more than before so really win win.. those who have not been, know it is EDF but go have a look - beautifully building and use to be lovely enclosed garden at back. Sorry completely off track for Dulwich library….

[Jenijenjen]

1 hour ago, claresy said:

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.

It seems the refurbishment is geared to attract 11 to 18 year old who were consulted with. Not a bad thing for many reasons though will reserve final judgment until I see the actual outcome. Something needs to be done, I always find it a very dull and sombre place.

As a previous poster said, there is an excellent online book ordering service that will bring in specific books from other libraries if needs be.

[h3+]

1 hour ago, beansprout said:

Well Carneige Library went through carnage a few years ago.. basement which had toilet facilities - just refurbished all ripped out to make way for health club - private of course. Hours of opening reduced… lock in protest that hit press against refurb plans! Now library much smaller than it was, community rooms available to hire - not cheap.. but folk now us rhe whole building as combination of library and community - choir, yoga/Pilates classes, stop in on certain days for health advice, etc.. cafe only serves tea/coffee and cakes as kitchen gutted! Hours of opening more than before so really win win.. those who have not been, know it is EDF but go have a look - beautifully building and use to be lovely enclosed garden at back. Sorry completely off track for Dulwich library….

I'm not sure I saw it before it being gutted but its still quite nice. The cafe is really nice and the garden looked nice to me over the summer. It had a great mix of people which was really nice to see.

[Pugwash]

As an avid reader and user of Dulwich Library it is a facility I could not live without.

Listening to friends/family who live outside London where library hours are reduced, book loans limited and fines exorbitant, we are very fortunate. However, if push came to shove I would be more than willing to pay a yearly subscription of up to £50 pa to retain this valuable asset should there be an attempt  to close the library due to funding restraints. I am a pensioner but could afford that yearly amount - when you think that even buying a paperback would cost you £8 - £10. Have purchased a number of books from charity shops and have a pile of them on my bedroom floor to return  to them.

Many years ago we donated brand new books in Polish which my father in law ordered before his death. Dulwich Library reluctantly took them when we informed that there was a large Polish community in the area. Although husband speaks Polish his reading of the language is quite poor. 

[ianr]

Just to clarify the charges for requesting books.  For getting them from Southwark library stock, it's now  a still very reasonable 70p, which includes delivery and collection at any branch.  I assume that includes new books which have been ordered for stock, and been assigned a catalogue entry, but haven't yet reached the shelves.  Otherwise, Inter-library loans or purchase requests cost £4. See https://www.southwark.gov.uk/culture-and-sport/libraries/join-library/fees-and-late-return-charges.

I belong to a few other London borough libraries too, which can quite often be useful, given that buying and stock retention is going to vary between them. 

PS And the free films, when running, are weekly (Mondays 1.30 pm iirc), with I think some sort of theme for each month.

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/culture-and-sport/libraries/library-activities-adults

Edited October 16, 2025 by ianr