Oxfordshire County Library in Westgate

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comments 5

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  M M

  :: 18 April 2018 15:58:10

  The old library is now back open after the Westgate redevelopment. I have been visiting on and off for a few weeks. My observations. Bad points 1: Its disappointing to see how little the library has changed. The lower floor is pretty much identical as before (in fact better before). 2: There are only 2 cubicle disabled toilets for everyone to use. This means one sometimes has to wait up to 10 minutes. Very inconvenient and something that should have been addressed while the library was closed. Also fairly regularly it is closed for no apparent reason. Very annoying. 3: Its a big library but the space is not utilised well at all. There are a number of curving desks which seem odd and waste a lot of space. There are also large areas which are completely empty. When its really busy there is not enough seating for everyone. 4: There are a number of garish sofas which are incredibly uncomfortable. 5: The wifi is inadequate when there are a lot of people using the library. 6: Sometimes there are drunk and/or unruly patrons who cause a great amount of disturbance before they are finally ejected from the building. I know librarians aren't the most muscular people in the world but it usually takes all of them to coral the perp out of the building. Man up people or employ some security. 7:No provision for drinks like a coffee machine or dispenser. Not even a water fountain meaning one has to leave the library for refreshments. 8: Loud officious Russian sounding librarian gets on my nerves. This is a library not a place to practice English elocution. Good points: 1: its clean 2: Its free to use 3: Staff seem very tolerant (maybe too tolerant) of patrons demands and waffling ons. All in all a bit of a disappointment. C-

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  Ana-Maria Cretu

  :: 14 April 2018 13:55:59

  Very friendly and responsive staff. The Oxfordshire County Library is a comfortable place to sit and read a book or a newspaper. They had almost every title I looked for.

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  John Simmonds

  :: 21 July 2017 22:40:28

  Too small and not open 24 hours. Staff are nice so extra star for them.

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  Venca Jirousek

  :: 27 March 2017 20:51:59

  I really miss the old library. In this one is just few things and its so limiting.

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  Dan Cross

  :: 30 November 2015 20:00:36

  An asset to the centre of Oxford. Has an array of information and pamphlets for tourists, while locals have an extraordinary amount of books and documents to choose from. There are also computers as well as newspapers and magazines on offer, too. Easy to access, friendly staff... can't ask for much more from a library!