Biggin Hill Memorial Library

My previous review on here must have been deleted due to its honesty trespassing too much on the library 's PC illusions.To summarise, to sit at a computer, or with a book, trying to receive an education, or just for entertainment purposes, while children are screaming in the adjacent swimming pool, (the building's real purpose for having replaced the Memorial Library); or, while undisciplined, swearing brats go unquieted by the desk staff, (who, while I was last there, were too busy exchanging giggly-banter with the security guard to care), demonstrates that books were a sop to claim for the building the dignified title of a ' library '. Even if the swimming pool were not there, the clanking clutter of tea cups and chatter from the adjacent tea shop should prove, for any serious student, too distracting.Worthwhile entering if you're umbrella-less in the rain, but not to be taken seriously as a library.

This swimming pool is boring. It is just a rectangle, they have done nothing to make it interesting what so ever. Whoever was in charge of designing this had no idea of fun.This is a newly built pool. It looks modern and clean, but it is rather small. The building is quite nice. The building's lift is a modern Schindler MRL (1 m/s).

On the 19 of November I was at the Biggin bill library and at 9:41 a lady called Becky approached me and did not even address me correctly to advise that they are closing and we should leave. Another gentleman approached with a hoover and we asked him what time the library closes and he said it was 10 PM in line with what is shown on google. To my surprise - at 9:45 PM the lights were turned off on me whilst I was still working. I found this incredibly insulting and inconsiderate. The staff had packed up all their items and were waiting near the cafe/ restaurant area to leave. When the lights went off I over heard one of the gentleman saying ‘what are you doing there are customers back there’ and Becky replied and said ‘it’s fine - I’ve told them to leave’. I am extremely appalled by the level of service I have received this evening. Staff working here are suppose to carry out their roles with the highest regard especially as they are representing and public place for the community. If the staff care more about leaving early and going home then they should really reconsider the shifts they take - also, the level of training given to staff members within this library needs to be reviewed immensely as the lack of care and consideration is completely beyond belief. My friend has an eye disease and when the lights were turned off she really struggled to see. Anyone could have been in the library with me - someone who is anxious of the dark and gets panic attacks etc. It is really important to invest in the staff and other technologies which will give a count down of when people are to leave to avoid being rudely approached by staff. Perhaps getting a countdown system or something that works better than staff who are less interested in their jobs and more interested in going home!

Having moved to Biggin HIll two years ago, I joined MyTime as a swimming member only. The pool is great and big enough never to be over crowded. The changing facilities are nice and roomy and clean too. I love the fact that the Library is in the same building which means I can have a browse and a coffee from the cafe at the same time. Just remember to take the blue plastic over-shoes off (used to protect the changing room floor) before leaving as I have been known to walk out the building still wearing them!

Just had a brilliant childrens party today at biggin hill pool and library. Their inflatable broke the day before and the team ran around the evenong before and borrowed one from a neighbouring mytime gym. The staff on the day were excellent fun and very helpful and got fully involved with the children. The party food was also good quality and reasonable value. Thanks.

Horrible experience !! I was working in the library and I i was forced to leave before the library even closed ... then the lights went off !! Completely disgusting service - I struggled to retrieve get my belongings and I was extremely fearful of losing something. Imagine that? Going to a public building and having the lights turned off on you - on purpose - and then struggling to see you way out of the building! Worse ‘service’ received in a long time - Becky needs to work on her levels of customer service.

Small library with an adaptable study area and good opening hours, especially during holidays like Christmas. The library has a nice selection of books, DVDs and newspapers/magazines. The toilets are for the community without a need to purchase anything. The close proximity to the swimming pool is a perk.

An essential facility like this library should not be found within the screams of children unsupervised either by parents or staff.It's not a place of quiet study, of mental growth. Like most libraries, the low-paid staff are scared to discipline the sometimes foul-mouthed parents and children, visiting only to play computer games on the unclean p.c.'s, insulated by the books, now used mostly as traditional, background wallpaper.Convenient for a quick coffee, for those readers who don't find café chatter, swimming hall screaming, and the cynical babble of desk staff, consoling themselves with one-liners with the security guard, (there to protect the one-or-two readers who may timidly request some peace), too distracting.I shouldn't like to be without the facility, but should require a new society before being willing to visit it again.

Really love this pool. Always clean and at quiet times you can almost get the place to yourself. My kids love it as not too deep in deep end. Just wish a non member swim wasn't so expensive. Love having a coffee after then a browse through the library.