Quinton Library

As a proud lady librarian (or should that be librarian lady?) I have been to a lot of libraries — okay, so Quinton isn’t quite up there with the splendour of New York Public Library — and yes, I am showing off here — but it’s a lovely place never the less.
Housed in a fairly bleak 60s building, the library is actually part of the Quinborne community centre — the centre itself is a pretty decent space and holds a bar and a number of rooms you can rent out. There’s also a selection of events and dos held there — everything from bridge clubs to social get togethers for the elderly.
The library itself includes collections for adults, children and teenagers (I was always very excited by the latter — especially as I started reading them before I was actually a teenager. Fifty Shades of Grey has nothing on some of those Judy Blume books!!) as well as large print and talking books. They also have a very decent music library.
The staff are brilliant — there’s a real sense of community spirit and somehow the place has a cosy air that makes you want to stay.