What do you all think of the library service in Sheffield? It is a long time since I went to a branch library but the last time was in Woodhouse and it was disgraceful. The shelves were practically empty, the stock was ancient and the library only opened part time. Admitedly the one at Crystal Peaks was much better but compare this to some libraries up and down the country and there are huge discrepancies. Take the new library in Tower Hamlets open 7 days a week for 71 hours. Offering creche facilities, cafe as well as being crammed full of state of the art IT equipment. Sunderland has a similar set up at £1.3million as has Norwich. I could go on with more and where is Sheffield? At the back of the queue as is the norm.

Originally posted by "Mo"

What do you all think of the library service in Sheffield? It is a long time since I went to a branch library but the last time was in Woodhouse and it was disgraceful. The shelves were practically empty, the stock was ancient and the library only opened part time. Admitedly the one at Crystal Peaks was much better but compare this to some libraries up and down the country and there are huge discrepancies. Take the new library in Tower Hamlets open 7 days a week for 71 hours. Offering creche facilities, cafe as well as being crammed full of state of the art IT equipment. Sunderland has a similar set up at £1.3million as has Norwich. I could go on with more and where is Sheffield? At the back of the queue as is the norm.

I not used the library for a number of years but last time I have to say I wasn't impressed. Yes, books shelves empty, very limited choices, very out of date old books. I actually pre-reserved a book I wanted so that in theory when the person returned it I would get notified that the book was waiting for me. This was service that I paid for. I didn't hear anything for over 2 months, and then finally a card came through, by which time I had already given up and gone out and bought the book.

Whart gewts ne about the central library is that they dont divide their fiction ito genre. I understand that with some books this can be difficult, but there's no other library I've ever found which does this and it really annoys me. If I want to find a book of a certain genre I have to have an idea of who the authors I would like to read are and go look for them. this is rubbish when your trying to find something new to yourself.

The range is abysmal, and most of the books are far too old. They really just cater for the librarians.

I went to Firth Park library this morning with a big list of books i wanted and came out with none.Ok its not the biggest of places but i was hoping for a few books i wanted

The only way to get the books you need is to order them and they charge you 50p for it.

I sometimes get videos, £1 a week, I here at some library's they have DVd's but not at the one near me.

Has Sheffield got the worst library in the country [Yes] the toilet [singular] is a disgrace, disabaled have to go down an alley at the back till someone comes to the door, and if this IS the third largest city it aught to be ashamed.

You have a toilet then you are lucky. :wink:

No such facility exists in Killamarsh Library and Eckington has one toilet but it is kept locked and you have to ask for the key.

The poor stock of books is appalling but both libraries have lovely staff and free internet access.

I started a similar thread http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=934

Is that the library by the winter gardens? Have just moved up and cannot comment on the all libraries in the area; but i am absolutely astounded ( in a very good way) at the focus upon childrens libraries here.Good stuff.

As regards the other library, what sort of book range does it have?

There is a brand new library opening shortly where the old one used to be on Eccelsall Road, just up from the church and grave yard.

I think it was built by yet another company knocking up so called designer flats in the area as part of their terms and conditions for planning permision there.

Looks to be a nice modern looking building though, hopefuly the inside will be good too with good facilities, internet access and of course books.:)

Originally posted by Mo
I started a similar thread http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=934

Threads merged then...

In my opinion the Central Library is crap, they have almost no books I want, particularly in the IT/computer book area, but I find this to be the case in most of the libraries, the one in Hillsborough still stocks programming books for ANCIENT computers such as the ZX81 and the Spectrum, who the flippin' 'eck's going to get stuff like that out these days?!

Only saving grace is that the sci-fi section is somewhat decent-ish up at Walkley and Stannington Libraries, plenty of Star Wars and Doctor Who related reading.

Everyone knows Sheffield Libraries are awful.
They haven't recovered from the political cuts of the 80's when
books and opening hours were slashed to bits.
BUT things are improving.
The Government has imposed new Standards on all libraries.
This means more books -and longer opening hours.
If you really want to have a good moan about the City Libraries come along to the next Meeting of the User Group - the City Librarian will be there -
Monday 19th January 2004 6.30pm.Conference Room 1st Floor
Central Library,Surrey St.
You'll be really welcome.