Riverside Library

Far too small for an expanding city like Derby. And sadly, it is not open a single evening. This is truly disappointing for city workers and students who may wish to use the library after 5 pm.

A shame my kids won't get to see the old Derby Library that has been shut down by our wonderful council. This one is small but plenty of material, access to computer etc, but a real lack of space to sit and study, which I have just began to do. Unfortunately being quiet in a library seems to be a thing of the past, with people in groups chatting, people having phone conversations and kids running around screaming (as their only kids), but with no parent supervision, and most importantly the librarians never say anything to anyone. No where else to go though in the ever decreasing 'city centre'.

I went to the old central library for many years and was very upset when I heard it was closing and going into the council house I thought that it was a bad idea. I thought we would have no choice of books But I have been pleasently surprised.. The new place is bright, you can see all the books you require a lot better. My only worry I am disabled and find it hard to park near the council house sometimes. The staff are lovely and helpful and I hope they all keep their jobs.

Beautifully modern but not fit for purpose. Plenty of computer stations but just 2 tables to sit at for research. But the fact that the reference section amounts to one small bookshelf means they obviously think they don’t need any more. Whoever designed it clearly never uses a library. Staff as always are pleasant but on the occasions I have managed to sit at a table and look at a book I have either had to listen to other people discussing things over their knitting, and on one occasion I sat embarrassed as a council work discussed a benefit claim with a man, I New his name and where he lived whilst he tried to justify why he needed it. I had to leave when he was asked details about his finances. I suppose now we have Covid to contend with this type of incident will not happen, the tables will disappear altogether and with social distancing the public may only be allowed in one at a time. Not the best experience for encouraging anyone especially young people to use a library!

I went here to do a job search the security guard informed me that this was not possible. I got on the red arrow and went to Nottingham Central library. All Nottingham city libraries have full resources, are open six days a week. Heanor and Ripley libraries are good as well

We visited the Riverside Library to use the space and get some work done. Unfortunately there are hardly any seats/tables available to work from with the majority of the library still taped off due to covid. We felt like whilst some of the staff were trying to be helpful, the majority were just trying to get rid of us and clearly didn't want us to stay in the library. Disappointing experience all round

It’s very nice place in town centre. Helpful and polite staff! Best place to work all day.variety of brand new books. A+++++

Derby is my city and this library is good enough for me.I’m a 17 year old Autistic college student at sixth form nearby and I found this library in a search for a place to chill on my lunch breaks and that’s exactly what I can do. I understand the security can be intimidating but just walk past and go to the library. It is small but it’s the city library for those who look to use computers and get their heads down it’s not a study library there are others in the city that are specifically for studies but this one isn’t and I’ve read the reviews and I go against all of the bad reviews and say this is a 4 star library it’s not the best but it’s accessible and does the job. There are printing services there a few of the staff are friendly there are plenty of books, there is a kids zone and there is an activity area which has the computers.For all those complaining there is no study space don’t you need a computer too? Just sit at a computer log in and get your studies done you can access YouTube on there play a video or some music this library is not as bad as the reviews say.In terms of cleanliness it’s fine and there is s cafe, take the exit to the right by the reception desk and it’s in front of you.The council house has 2 sets of gender split toilet sections and both contain a disabled toilet

Michael was very helpful, kind and very understanding.The last time I visited any library was over 35 years ago! He showed me around and found me a desk to work off.Fine example of customer service...one of the female staff spent well over 15 mins with a customer on the photocopy machine, 10/10 for people skills...Thank you for putting people first.