Southfields Library

Good range of books and DVDs in all categories for lending, and possibilities to reserve books from other Wandsworth libraries. Large, separate area for children's books. Frequent sales of withdrawn stock at bargain prices. Well-lit, seats and table space for homework and research, plus computer workstations. Helpful staff. A big asset to Southfields.

The library itself is really good. The issue is the staff working here. I have been here several times, and every time, the two Caucasian ladies sitting at the reception are chatting with each other nonstop. They just keep talking and talking about random things!
It does not help that their reception desk is right in the middle of the library and no matter how far I go from them, I can hear them, because nobody else is talking in the library and their voice reaches everywhere. I have to wear headphones with white noise becuase I need to concentrate in my project.
This is so strange as a library is expected to be a quite place and the staff members themselves are giving such a terrible example.

Excellent little village library. Has alot to offer for all age groups

I went to Southfields Library where a loud American woman appeared to be giving a private lesson to a student who was working on some Art essay. The woman did not appear to realise the etiquette of libraries or that people often go there to be able to work. It is not a venue for private lessons. Also the sort of comments she was making to her student should not have been said in front of other people.
I explained to her that she was making it impossible for other people to work there. Her response was that she had been doing this for months now and that no one had complained. She suggested I wear headphones or go to another part of the library. I did not have headphones as I wear hearing aids but had taken them out because she was speaking so loudly. The level of her voice was of someone talking loudly to a class - no consideration or self awareness.
I did send an email of complaint to the email address but it is a pity that an adult, who should have know better, displayed such obvious inappropriate behaviour and little self-awareness.
Libraries are a very special place and the only place some children have to go and work. We have these spaces for their intended purpose.

Open three and a half days a week. Closed THREE days. And not even on the weekend, it is closed on random days: MONDAY, THURSDAY and SUNDAY!! Saturday only open for a few hours. RIDICULOUS! I would rather just pretend there is no library at all in southfields. I go there just to find the doors closed on working days. It is not worth it. Also, the staff members are noisy and have conversations unrelared to work disturbing people.

Amazing vibe. Open spaces. Great place for leisure reading.

Support your local library! Even if you still like to buy books for your collection, libraries are brilliant for cookery books, self help books, light holiday reading and travel books.
Southfields library has a great selection of local history books too if you're interested in the area.
The online service allows you to reserve books from other Wandsworth libraries for a small fee.
I believe they also offer ebook hire (not sure how that works), they also have a children's library and dvd rentals. There are computers and printers available, as well as discount sales of old stock.
The library is not open everyday, which is a shame. But if you're a member there's likely one of the other Wandsworth libraries open on the days Southfields is closed.
The staff are always really friendly, and even are able to resolve queries by email and promptly.

The library is packed full of amazing books and other resources.

They have a whole huge 'Children's Library' room which is absolutely brilliant if you have kids with endless books and really comfortable chairs and a big table.