Allerton Library

This library is a branch library — this means its a small library in a community setting therefore criticism that its small or doesn’t have the presence, size or stock range of a major library is a little uninformative. The building is relatively new as the area it is in had no suitable/​available buildings. I’m not sure how it could reviewed as claustrophobic as the building is pretty much a wide open space inside which is well-​proportioned and comprises large areas of glass with the whole upper section being glass — the only area not to have light from windows is the computer area which is at one side away from main desk, reading area and any groups which may use the library. This area has skylights instead. There are several computers which can be booked for an hour at a time and when I last looked 2 that are non-​bookable for up to 30 mins use for anyone who can’t wait to use when the others are full. There is a magazine/​newspaper section and tables and chairs for those who wish to sit and read these or other books. There is a good children’s library with soft little stool seats and a rug which is changed regularly and the area is clean. Once a week a pre-​school group meet there for singing which is well attended. For a small fee (70p) the library can reserve or borrow (inter-​library-​loan) from another council library including central, that you may require. There are self service and staffed points for visitors. There is a good range of large print and recorded readings of books, DVDs, CDs, and Games. There is even a section of Japanese manga style cartoons. There is a photocopier/​printer. They stock local bus timetables and have a board for local groups and services to be advertised. What people seem to expect from a community library means the reviews are potentially misleading — this is a great little library and I have used it since I was a kid and visit now with my own children. There is good wheelchair access and purpose-​built bike bars to lock your cycle to. Local libraries are under threat so ‘use or lose’ is the motto — the nearest one would be Childwall if this one closes and that is quite a long walk away. The library has offered courses — but I haven’t looked into that for a while so best to check what is on offer as reduced funding for libraries may have meant they are no longer available.

I’m a library fanatic. I cannot walk by one and not go in. I just cannot do it. It’s impossible. If you prick me I will bleed ink.
I was disappointed by this library. It’s okay, but it’s small and, as with many libraries in Liverpool, sadly lacking the «must have books.»
Everything is well arranged and labeled with very dumbed-​down section labels as many libraries are these days (apparently people don’t know how to use the good old Dewey Decimal system anymore?!), but there’s not much here. If you require variety or you have eclectic taste … you too will probably be disappointed.
As a child I loved libraries, but I don’t think I would have been too impressed by this one.

I’m used to the grand University libraries which this little munchkin of a library cannot hope to compete with, however, I was surprised to find a lack of correlation between the grubby exterior and the sleek, bright and friendly interior.
It seems like a great little library. Emphasis on the little. With a good range of books from History and Reference books to a Mind, body and spirit section. They have a cookery section with books from a range of top chefs (Nigella!) if you fancy trying out some new recipes without forking out for the hardback.
They have audio books too (not just some oldies but some popular novels) and a good selection of DVDs (Pulp Fiction, Fight Club…)
Also, check out the graphic novel section, there are some classics!
And they have about 10 computers, they have a queuing system so I’d definitely recommend waiting your turn unless you want raised eyebrows!
*Reading group– first Monday of every month 2.00−3.30pm.
They also have self-​service check out if you’re in a rush and the desk isn’t staffed… one of the only things I’d say it’s missing is a substantial amount of seating for reading… and beanbags!

It is small but is a surprisingly well stocked library, that may have smething to do with it’s proximity to several schools and being in the well heeled proffessional area of Allerton — but they are possesive of their PC suite!
They seem to have very strict rules here about the times that they are available and I have been kicked off or made to wait when I only needed to jump on to check my emails! However compared to most poorly undervalued libraries Allerton does seem to be well stocked for such a small place and I was surprised to find a wide range of books beyond the usual bestsellers list or tales of abused childhoods.

Allerton Library is at the end of all the shops on Allerton Road. A busy little library that you can walk around in about 1 minute. Small it might be but 100% better than Childwall Library which has definitely seen better days. Allerton Library is modern (it isn’t dated on the inside) and well equipped with a computer suite, tables to sit and work or discuss the challenges of the day at and as you would guess many many books. The library is very accessible with a long ramp up to the entrance. There is no waiting about to take your books out, as if you are registered, you can take them out via the self service machine.
The opening hours are pretty good Monday to Wednesday, but go a bit down the pan on the remaining days. Longer opening hours on these days would be good, or maybe that is just me — I guess it cannot hope to be a 24hr tesco’s.

Allerton Library is small in size and offers a good range of books. It is the ideal place to go after a long day at School or University for instance if you want to get away from the parents or housemates!
I do agree with the previous review that it is claustrophobic and feels quite crammed and dated on the inside and outside. They do have some computers with free internet access and youngsters books which is okay for the odd visit with family and like minded friends.
If I had to choose a library, then it wouldn’t be this one unless I was a child or just bored and need some time on my own.

I may have mentioned this before, but bookshops and libraries make me need the loo if I’m in there too long. Something about the bookshelves just makes me wanna go… Anyway, this is not aided, in the case of Allerton library, by the smallness of it and hence the additional feeling of claustrophobia.
From the exterior the building looks shabby and practically abandoned. Inside, it’s a little gloomy. Chances are, they’ve refurbished it since I last went in (at least 5 years ago) but there’s a good chance they haven’t. Having been somewhere I went to almost on a weekly basis as a kid, I can’t imagine it being that inviting in its current state. Still, like I say, it might been brought up to date. Some of the books definitely needed replacing and a few extra staff wouldn’t have been a problem. Despite all this, it’s a nice enough place for small family outings, and less formidable than the huge main library in town.

Allerton Library is run by Liverpool City Council.
It has been modified and it is a lot better! The library is quite big although there isn’t loads of choice. There is an internet suite too which is quite busy so if you want a place go quite early!

A library which has recently been modernised. It also has its own private car park.
The books on offer are limited in quantity and quality. Due to its modernisation it offers a self service facility. This allows you to take books out swiping your own card.
One huge popular service this library offers is its computer suite. However its popularity often means you need to book in advance.
I have always found the staff extremely friendly.

This libary run by liverpool city council offers a peaceful relaxing environment to increase your knowledge and study, it is easy to travel to and has a wide range of books. Staff are welcoming and freindly.