Derry Central Library

This library can be found on Foyle Street, opposite the bus station, on the Bogside of Derry. It's a fine big, modern building, with helpful staff, who seem to enjoy their work. During the week it opens at 8.30am, but the newspapers don't get delivered till 9.30, for some strange reason.

On my visit today, approx 9am, there were quite a few customers, most of them school kids, but the first thing that struck me was, how loud it was, and it wasn't the school kids! There was 4 or 5 women, having a full blown chat, that the whole library could hear. And every 30 seconds or so, a high pitched buzzer would go off, while a door to some other section was been opened. It was so annoying that I left and came back later.

When I returned about a hour later, it was much better, and the papers had arrived. It was still busy, but the women seemed to have exhausted all their gossip, and the alarmed door was very quiet, maybe somebody locked it. I'm no expert on library's, but apart from the noise, this looks like a very good one. Maybe I caught them on a bad day.

I went into the library to use their facilities to check in online and was greeted by the front of house person who was cheerful and hugely helpful. I can see why she is in that position and wish I could remember her name!

We spent a full hour on a trip to a conference. The history of Derry section of the second floor was great. I learned that the high explosive used by the IRA in attacks on police stations often came from Cilonel Khadafi (sp?) in Libya. Many of the IRA attacks did not go well since the British had spies and tipsters within the IRA.

i am always impressed by Derry library as it is not just for books or computer use, but is a base for a lot of Derry people to meet and just be with their friends or not to be alone. I use the computers a lot when I could use a computer at home to work because of the sense of community. The staff are also highly professional and very friendly.

This is a great social group for young babies up to pre school aged children. Two Library staff lead in the Rhymes, songs, dance then they tell a story and children can participate in turning pages, great way to show children how to turn take. Once the singing etc is finished musical instruments are brought out for the children along with a drink and a snack. This is absolutely free and everyone is so friendly a great hour of activity for babies/pre school. We then picked some books to take home to read. The electronic check out is great so easy to use it is just sad that there are very few staff about now. Very clean well kept Library.

I only went to the library to use the photocopier
The staff were extremely helpful & asked if I had ever used their photocopier before & if not they would help
A reasonable charge to copy paperwork & privacy
I was amazed to see how many people availed of the library & the surroundings were very pleasant

Great location with friendly, helpful staff. As well as books there is photocopying service and Wi-Fi which is free for registered customers only but there’s a charge for visitors, local history information upstairs which includes local papers on microfilm and on the day that I visited there was a parent and toddler event going on.
There are a selection of daily newspapers and there is also a café with lovely homemade scones, soup and sandwiches so you can take time out to relax and enjoy. Well worth a visit!

Staff are always friendly and has a wide range of books to borrow, computer room is great albeit the internet crashed sometimes.

Wish they'd keep the "Quiet in the library rule though"

Their collection of materials related to the civil conflict and especially Bloody Sunday is easy accessible. I love libraries in general and this one is notable for its helpful staff, access to computers, printing, etc. Stop at the desk to learn how and what non-residents can use. I regret not spending more time there.

been in there lots times me house over 150 years old was in there seeing all the street books about me old house there was many dateing back many many long years