Central Library

The Library itself deserves five stars. It carries a fantastic collection for my studies and (if you arrive early for first pickings) has quiet spaces to settle in for an entire day. I cannot fault any of the facilities and the quirky mixture of old and new is a splendid treat - nothing beats mulling around the Hornby Library and Oak Room during my breaks. Alas, I firmly dislike the cold nature of the staff I have encountered. They are set on avoiding interaction with some visitors at all costs and actually make me feel quite uncomfortable when it comes to needing anyone on duty for enquiries or help. Every time I have approached the counter to ask a question, I am usually just spoken over as they assume they know what I want or am dismissed as they claim busyness - even when there is no one else in sight. Eventually, I tend to give up and will walk away without the help I had sought out. This jump to the gun attitude really puts me off, and I feel as though the increasingly technology-forward environment they have set up just presents a precedent for the public to see to themselves and not bother their all-day social break.

Furthermore, I also disapprove of the rapport the staff appear to be willing to build with older regulars that literally results in open mockery of younger users. I wouldn't mind the mockery so much if anyone behind the counter could bear to offer me five minutes to speak, and could perhaps refrain from labelling me as, what feels like, a "time-waster" - I guess that's one way to get rid of me!

Having said that, I will still visit for the amenities until I have finished my studies.