I must like visiting libraries. There are some things to bear in mind. The first one is that the initial visit is a pain because you can't borrow books until you are a member but need to be present before you become one - coming from 100 miles north to visit to just get a card was a bit of a pain. You also need to sign in and ask for a token (or you don't get a locker token without which you will find using the locker impossible). You also need to press buttons to enter and exit the library. The biggest problem is noise - people having long conversations in less than hushed tones with the librarians. But getting the books is great and the room is pleasant. I haven't worked out if you can use the restaurant but I haven't asked. It is a pain driving there and a pain getting back but when there I find I work very effectively.

First time I have been to the reading room attached to the British Library storage archive in Boston Spa. I went to look through some old back numbers of my university newspaper (yes, they have everything!) It's important to know that you must have a British Library readers identity card in order to use the reading rooms at either of the BL premises. You have to book the items you want in advance on the BL website. The Boston Spa site is easy to find by car and there is free parking. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the reading room is large and well laid out. The seats were comfortable for all of my three hour stay. There are a couple of vending machines but no catering beyond that so you may want to take your own food if you are going to be there across lunchtime.

I phoned with urgent concerns about how to protect a precious historical document, directly pertinent to me. It is in the Carnegie Central Library building in Stockport. I expressed my fears that it may be "lost" in the council's ongoing move of the library to the StockRoom in the 60s precinct. The employee I was put through to this morning said that the British Library has nothing to do with local libraries. They are owned by the council. He refused to put me through to anyone who would advise. If the British Library really employ staff who aren't trained to know that our heritage documents belong to "the people", then all our history and heritage is doomed

Excellent facilities. Staff were helpful and friendly making our first visit a lovely experience. The reading room is welcoming and the items ordered were there ready for us. You are able to visit the staff canteen for food. The canteen accepts contactless payment. Free parking is available. The help provided to my daughter, under 18 user, was fantastic. Can't recommend enough.

Access to the National Newspaper collection in the reading room, without having to travel to London

The reading rooms are a great service and everyone was very helpfu

Wonderful British library!!

Very nice