Spring Hill Library

Despite the newness of the Tesco which shares an entrance with this library, once you go in you’ll be reliably overwhelmed by the smell of old pages — musty, warm and delicate. The floor is wood/​parquet and suggests studious days where libraries were a font of all knowledge — before the internet took over providing such services. That said, this library has diversified as so many seem to — and has computers which you can use for an allocated period of time to browse the web.
This library is small but beautiful inside. As well as the flooring, they have an upstairs area with activities regularly held there — and a balcony which overlooks the main library itself. The range of books is compact but full of both new and older titles to browse. With it’s close proximity to my office, I may start using this library as my local as it’s so lovely and relaxing inside!

I’ve always found this building stunning in it’s Victorian, gothic design and whilst it’s new Tesco neighbour has provided the library with some benefits it also makes me really sad how joined they are. You can no longer use the original front entrance and so you don’t get the same sense of grandeur upon entry through those big arched doors. Instead you enter through Tesco via the super accessible push a button to open doors that make you feel stupid when you can’t also just open them by approaching them.
Despite these gripes it is still a stunning library. It still has an old counter desk with partition and rather than overly bright strip lighting there is cosy lights over hanging the book cases. This enhances the aesthetic of the building and the beautiful stained glass windows. As the library is so small you feel like you are exploring a little bookshop, one with hidden surprises of a proper coat stand, comfy armchair and oversized tall chair. With books in an array of languages, easily signposted, as well as an upstairs for activities and a toddlers club it is a great little library that feels inviting.

Springhill Library
I returned to Springhill Library to find that shock horror!
It had been merged somehow with a Tesco’s!
Now walking through the joint entrance I was struck by the smell of
Donuts, and very nearly followed my nose into the food colussus.
Returning to my intended destination I found myself in the tranquil
setting of this charming little building with high ceilings and
original fixtures.
Returning my slightly overdue books I had the chance to look around
and soak up the atmosphere and found it to be a very nice place to
sit and take in some literature.