Finchley Church End Library

I would give this zero stars, if that were possible. The library itself is new, which gives the illusion of it being better than it previously was, but don't be fooled.
The point of a library is that it PROVIDES A SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, and IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. When I first heard they were moving towards self-service, I thought this was great, and that I could gain entry to the library outside of operating hours. No way; what it has actually meant, is that self-service has ELIMINATED library staff for the MAJORITY of the operating hours. This means that people having difficulty borrowing books, using printers, using the computers, etc. are completely left in the dark (particularly, and more shamefully, those with special needs). More absurd is that YOU CAN NOT ENTER THE LIBRARY WITHOUT A LIBRARY CARD. Besides [the obvious] that you cannot gain entry when the machine to get inside the building malfunctions, you can not get a library card unless registering WITH STAFF. This highly exclusionary system is ridiculously flawed, and counters the main ethos of what a public library represents. I have repeatedly seen people REFUSED ENTRY to the building because they do not have a library card. How is this representative of a public space? How does this reflect tax-payer interests? How is this providing a service to anyone? Sounds like a mixed version of Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World? Just try to visit your local Barnet library, and see for yourself.

One of the main function of a library is that it is a space for people to do work. However this library is more of a children’s centre. This is always filled with kids shouting and running around the library making the place louder than everywhere else. Even the staff talk really loudly and they do nothing to keep the children quiet. Awful place awful staff, I really hope you can make this place more quiet, at least during self service time.

Love my local library. I work odd hours, so weekday opening times 0700-2200 is really handy. The odd time I've needed something staff sorted my issue quickly. Self service hours mean the library can be open later which is great, esp as you can park right next to it in the evening. Best thing is that you can renew and RESERVE books so easily from home. On a couple of occasions they've even bought books that they didn't own for me. Children in a library talking loudly vs kids loitering on the streets? Some people need to stop acting entitled and ungrateful.

The staff are all super helpful and lovely. I was able to get help to orgisine getting my library card, additionally explained how to chcek out books and log into the computers - The library at times doesn't have staff around, but that's when you can gain access/entrance with having the Library Card. So ideally, the card is essentially if you want access on days when there is no staff

It's a lovely library with great selection of children's and adult fiction books. The staff was also very helpful. Now you can borrow 20 books for 3 weeks and you can renew it 5 times. If you are looking for a book and it's in another library they can bring it to this library you just need to reserve it. We also like that it's open late some of the days. There is a summer reading challenge going on right now.

Nice library. The only downside - they used to gabor more soft seating spaces. They still have a few, but not enough for multiple families.

Small but very nice library, good selection of children's books with a nice reading area, friendly staff

Visited the library earlier in the morning. I needed some prints. A calm and lovely member of staff tried to help me. I had to return later to get further help. The staff were great, exceedingly helpful, informative, sensitive and seemed cheerful. There was a calm sense throughout the library as the staff members walked around supporting us, the users. Many thanks to the staff.