Crayford Library

The old library used to look so dark, dingy and uninviting but the new one? WOW. So bright, airy and modern! I’m a fan.
The location is much better too, nestled in amongst the new housing estate and right between Sainsburys and Crayford Station. Perfect for popping in on the way home or before the weekly shop.
When you go inside, it’s really nice and bright, and the displays are spaced out really nicely so there’s plenty of room to browse and see what you’re picking up. You can take 12 books at any one time which is more than enough and you’ve also got the option of borrowing DVDs and audiobooks too if you’re not much of a reader.
But where Crayford Library really shines is its staff. I came in here to get a parking ticket dealt with and the staff here called parking services on my behalf, argued with them and printed me a new permit when I said I’d lost mine. They were reassuring, helpful and it was definitely knowing service with a smile.
Oh, and at Christmas they make a book tree. That’s loads of books stacked up to look like a Christmas tree. Won me over instantly.

Lovely library which has just been rebuilt. You can park in Sainsburys and walk to here for free.
Book selection is really good — with a mix of everything. Also the option to reserve (50p charge) a book that they don’t have from another Bexley library and get it sent here.
Its really easy to get a borrowing card and you don’t have to live in Bexley. Just turn up with ID and a proof of address (I used my drivers licence for both) and you will get a card and a pin number (which you need to access the on-​line library from home). Then you can take 12 books home with you that day! (I came back the next day with the car, too heavy to carry 12 books home!!!).
Its very bright and airy in there, and they also have computers to access or desks that you can sit with your own laptop and plug in. Also free wi-​fi (just have your library number to hand so you can join.)
I love books, and although I love owning books its nice to have a browse and get a feel for authors that I haven’t heard of before.
I just know this is going to become a Saturday morning stop off before shopping!

It’s a small library but has a good selection of books. It also has a few computers to access the Internet but you will need a library card before you can access the Internet.