Clifton Library

Stepping into this library is akin to stepping into a time warp; old and murky, its Victorian character remains obstinately in tact. Although it is of modest size, the library still has a pretty wide selection of books, a few obligatory computers and, of course, a trusty photocopier. The staff are friendly enough and the place is usually quietly conducive to some silent reading or study time. However, I have witnessed a few excruciatingly noisy mornings here, whereby the venue undergoes a seeming metamorphosis into a crèche. As you can imagine, a group of screaming toddlers in a small space designed for studious pursuits does not bode well. If you have a high tolerance threshold, it’s worth a visit…

This part of Clifton is called Clifton Village and the library here does feel like a village affair. It’s hushed inside, with a few OAPs reading today’s newspaper at some of the desks. Innovations away from the traditional library so far stand at a photocopier — they’ve kep it it simple here. The village feel is enhanced by the small size of the place — there can’t be more than 30 yards of book cases in the whole place and the range on offer isn’t fantastic.
That’s not a problem in my opinion to be honest. I’ll bring my own books up here just for the quiet here. It’s on a busy high street, and simply by setting the building back the Victorian (I think) designer has ensured that none of the business gets in. Come here especially when the slighly ridiculous Clifton café culture gets too much and you want somewhere slightly saner, and without the blast of the coffee machine. Clifton library is an uncluttered community space which feels blissfully old fashioned.