Bob Lawrence Library

First to review! Unilocal community, I am honored to give you the 411 about the tiny but well-​loved Bob Lawrence Library.
Upon moving to England, one of the first things I wanted to do to get acclimated to living here was become a member of my local library. Life got in the way and my plans to march into the closest library a few weeks into moving was delayed. A few months later, I found myself applying for a library card on their website and found myself at the doors of Bob Lawrence Library — love the name, btw. Not Robert Lawrence. Just Bob.
This is a very small neighborhood library. Upon walking in, you’ll be greeted warmly by staff like I was. I asked to pick up my card as I had filled in and printed the application. Unfortunately for the staff volunteers at Bob Lawrence, their new computer system was up and running and they were not quite sure how to help me. With a bit of time and a few extra hands on deck, I was able to get my library card.
What frustrates me about this charming little library is that there is no online catalog system you can go to to look up books. If I wanted to pick up a particular book (I came, in typical nerd fashion, with a list of 30 titles of all types), I had to ask a staff member to type each book title. There should be a computerized system so you can find out if your book is in the library and where you can find it. If it isn’t available at Bob Lawrence Library (which won’t be surprising, I only left with a few books in hand), you should be able to find out — without depending on staff — where you can find the library.
There is a good section of children’s books, some books on cooking and hobbies and a decent fiction section. The classics are sadly placed on just one shelf, so look for a more impressive collection elsewhere. There are plenty of leaflets and packets of information for those individuals looking for community workshops and classes for all ages.
All in all, this branch is small and surprisingly, still in operation. New titles are not easy to find and if you’re looking for something rare, chances are, you won’t find it here either. Although it isn’t too technologically advanced, you can check out books with an online check out system before you walk out there door, so that’s handy. Nice little neighborhood that quenched my thirst for reading but it’s not one I see myself coming to too often. It needs a bit more love and care and training, but it’s too small to command a crowd of readers. Any book is better than no book, though, so I’m glad I stopped by!