Barking Learning Centre (Barking Library)

I love it here ONLY because I prefer studying and doing work in places that are not too quiet. Plugs everywhere for laptops and chargers, tables and places to study everywhere. I mainly sit in the "gallery" which is spacious and essentially kinda noisy especially during exam period. I've been coming here for years....I mean you can EAT inside while you do your work. Although some might dislike it due to the noise, I find it really relaxing to just blend into the surroundings.

Know what to expect...

This place does not follow the traditional Library format. Downstairs has integrated council facitilities (Job search, pay facilities, social classes etc). Eating food, and general chatter is fine. They run child classes (loudly).

The facilities are okay. There is a variety of study spaces (single booths, open plan tables etc.

Basically, this is an acquired taste. If you like a greater element of freedom in a library this will be perfect for you. If you want to study quietly then headphones are an absolute essential. I come here a lot and can comfortably say that anybody describing this place as "quiet" was either very lucky on their visit or is deaf.

- I am sat in the library as I type with the the world's loudest baby screaming at full volume.

A great community hub offering the usual books, DVDs and selection of daily papers and local weekly papers to read. There is plenty of space for private study with most desks having ports to link your laptops up to the internet. The library has an excellent children's area with books for all ages of their learning cycle. They also put on lots of events for children most notably during school holidays that include educational and crafting type events. The library also offers the ability to pay all your council Bill's via the machines situated on the ground floor which is helpful as they close well after normal office hours during most of the working week. A small art gallery within the Learning Centre is a welcome addition and often holds shows for local artists.

The downsides -
Firstly, it can be very noisy for a library. Staff do not intervene unless someone goes really crazy. So, take headphones or earphones with you.
Secondly, it's not exactly overstocked with books.
Thirdly, it can get quite soporific. Maybe not enough ventilation.
That said, it's a pretty relaxed, clean environment, plenty of desks, computers and power points for electric devices. Eating of cold food is permitted. Staff are generally helpful. Opening hours are pretty generous too. No need to be a member to enter either.
Overall, if you know what to expect it's a good facility, but you will be disappointed if you expect a traditional silent library with a large range of books.

The librarians are rude, probably thinks every brown person is illiterate immigrants. Asking them for help is like a crime.
The atmosphere is very muggy and there's hardly any ventilation. The collection of books will make you depressed. The noise level would be better suitable for a drinking party rather than a place where you can concentrate and read.
Oh they got a spa! Magnificent! (Sarcasm)

Lovely library, with very helpful and friendly staff. The children's section is exceptional and really promotes the joy of reading.

Great toilet facilities for wheelchair users and baby changing.

Good customer service, prompt attention

Very noisy from the ground zero floor. The library would have been one of the best around this area if all these had changed. It seems like a nursery school and not a library from the noise you get.