Tha Word is a fantastic facility. However, for a building of this size, the cafe is inadequate in size, meaning long queues while ordering food and drinks. No reflection on the hard working staff. Also the lack of air conditioning is unacceptable in a 'National' building. During very hot weather, the staff must be suffering as are others who are running and attending groups and classes.

I came a couple times to do uni work but it felt pointless. There are around 6 tables on the first floor and if they're taken there is nowhere to work. I took my laptop over to the computer spaces however got told to move by staff as I wasn't using them. This would be understandable to me if there was people waiting to use them but when the desks are empty and there are no spaces elsewhere, there isn't really an issue. I went to the cafe for a jacket potato and the cafe was completely full so I went upstairs after waiting 1 hour for a study table, the staff told me I wasn't allowed to eat upstairs but when I explained there was no seating downstairs they still said I couldn't eat there, and I ended up having to throw it in the bin. I really love the environment and the natural light of the building, it's just a shame that it doesn't feel fit for purpose. It also surprises me that there are no quiet spaces, I would rather travel to Newcastle Library.

Lovely newly designed library with a fantastic open feel to it and a great location in the town centre. The library often has exhibitions on also, my favourite was the Ridley Scott exhibition with loads of costume and props from his films including the original alien costume.

Its a library that feels nothing whatsoever like a library. Great if want to do some research, find sonewhere quiet with workspace to get our uour own laptop/tablet to work on. Has scanner, photocopier (not the best photocopier in the world, standard and basic mono and colour - could do better!) Free use of comouters but time limited. Reference library again basic, was certainly a better set up at its last and now long gone building other side of town centre. Want a library that actually lives up to the name? Well worth joining Newcastle City library and making the journey. On the positive though, The Words cheese scones in their little cafe are outstanding!

Called in for a spot of lunch, looked round the library then visited the 'Brick Wonder' Lego exhibition. If you like Lego and you're in the neighborhood, then it's well worth a visit. It's not very big but well presented.