Thanks for that BlushingSnail.

I decided to try out FH library today. I thought it only fair to have a look before I post on this thread again. My observations are as follows:

The outside of the building and the refurb looks great but it seems to have forgotten it's traditional function as a quiet place to read and study.

a) There are banks of computers which is great as it's nice to see new facilities. The problem is that the whole area was comandeered by kids using it as an internet cafe and a place to chat loudly. Couldn't see much evidence of homework being attempted.

b) There is a separate children's library but lots of children were sitting around chatting loudly in the main area - some with drinks and food. The staff seemed reluctant to ask them to keep the noise down.

c) There aren't that many tables and chairs (apart from in the overcrowded computer area) and in fact there was nowhere at all for me to sit so I gave up and left after 5 minutes.
I came away feeling quite disheartened with the sense that people in my position ie adults who need to study, have not been considered at all as part of the refurbishment plans.

Next stop the Horniman or E Dulwich library....