Fullwell Cross Library

There is something nostalgic about libraries. Gone are the days of borrowing 8 books at a time and paying 5p fines for late returns.
I’m wondering when they’ll just have stands that you just touch your IPad on and hey presto you have an e-​book that you can borrow for 4 weeks :) — it would automatically remove — saving us from fines.
This library has a number of computers that you can use for free with your account. If you don’t own a printer, you can join this library and print away, printing is really cheap — like 5p per page.
They have a small coffee machine, with some tables and chairs, but to be honest, it’s not terribly comfortable so you probably wont spend too long reading here.

The Fullwell Cross Library is our local library and we visit is quite often. There are two seperate pay parking area available where you can leave your car for a while. Although you have to pay for parking, the money can be claimed back at the library — where they refund you. The area is quite safe because it is busy and there are always people around. The interior of the library is very pleasant with a main book area in the centre of the building and then they have two other seperate areas, one for children (with all children books, computers and desks for sitting and small tables and chairs for little ones). The second sitting area is for adults and is usually scattered with people. Definately an asset to the local community.
Cons Wish they had more books although their reservations and request facility is handled quite well and diligently.

I do this thing about once every five years.
I realise what a great thing reading is and what a great resource libraries are. So I head into my library, and talk to the bearded guy about how I’d like to renew my card. So he looks up my details and gives me that disappointed look, just like the one your dentist gives you when you tell him you haven’t had a check up in nine years.
I did this very recently at Fullwell Cross. It was a great experience, if only because I was fascinated by how the library has kept the exact same smell for the last twenty-​odd years. Fascinating. It’s not only the smell that has stayed the same but also the books. The majority of them are all very 1980. By that I mean big, bulky and with a ripped-​plastic cover with brown marks on it.
If you’re looking for some new books, I don’t think this is the place for you. But if you’re not too bothered about that then there are some great things to discover here. And afterall, it’s free. Any place that offers you something for free is surely something worth checking out.
In summary, I found the place kind of amusing. It hasn’t really changed or grown, the shelves are a little lacking in love and there’s barely anything in the way of new content. But it’s still kind of nice; and much quieter than the world waiting outside. A pleasant, if slightly depressing experience.