Holborn Library

I can't remember the last time I set foot into a library. But today seemed like a good day for reading so when I found my nearest book repository wasn't far off (and open today) I figured I'd go have a nosey.

Obtaining a library card was pretty easy. I gazed at the librarian's massively Sellotaped glasses whilst she reviewed my bank statement (proof of address) and typed my details into a prehistoric desktop computer. A few minutes later I had my card and began browsing.

Amidst the folks sleeping in armchairs and studying at tables I spotted a small but surprising selection of titles. Overall though, the goods here are a little thin. Also, the Holborn Library could really do with some good curation. Besides the new arrivals shelf, most of the rest of the selection seemed a bit haphazardly placed.

The building itself is rather depressing, is in need of a proper tidy, and most of the patrons do little to improve the atmosphere with their mostly down trodden stares.

I ended up borrowing three titles and was amazed at how far technology has come: I was able to check my own books out with a simple swipe of my card. The self check-out bit might be Holborn Library's most redeeming quality.

I used to like studying in this library because it is relatively quiet...as the kid section is away, in the basement of the library. However they recently moved the tables around such that it is now impossible to plug my laptop.

Toilets are in the basement and very stinky.

It' in Bloomsbury, of course this library is good. It stocks books from most of the writers who are famed for hanging out in the re alike Virginia Woolf, as well as many contemporary writer of the area. There's a special research section which really is quite special.