Barbican Library — Attraction in London

Great study space within the sprawling Brutalist complex - populous yet peaceful but somewhat deprived of natural light, which may induce moody contemplations. The modern library seems to be more useful as a study space with an ornamental backdrop of dusty books, like the colleague who tries to seem intellectual by strategically placing the bookshelves behind them in Zoom calls, that are actually just rows upon rows of Captain Underpants novels, including a rare limited edition first pressing of 'The Perilous Plot of Professor...

I'd been mourning the closure of my local library when I came across the lovely, huge Barbican library. This place is incredible. There's a large selection of books, free wifi (which works intermittently), comfortable armchairs scattered throughout, and a wide variety of CDs and DVDs, as befits the library's location within a performing arts venue. I can't quite put my finger on it but this place feels less sterile than other libraries. Maybe it's because it's more open? Membership is open to anyone living or working in the...

The Barbican Library is a great place to work, their are a few secluded desks and free WiFi to help you along. The section on arts is extensive, with a great children's section (in a separate part, no shouting or anything like that). The only thing is, due to the size and amount on offer in the Barbican, it's not quite as peaceful as most libraries. The sounds from the Theatre, Restaurant and Arts Gallery filter up, even at the back of the library. Overall, though, it's a great...