Frimley Green Library

A modest brick building tucked away on the Frimley Green high street, this library serves as a proper community hub rather than a grand literary institution. You'll find the usual mix of books, computers for public use, and a quiet reading area - nothing flashy, but genuinely functional. The staff are helpful without being pushy, and there's a small children's section if you've got little ones trailing along.

It's worth popping into if you're staying nearby - say at Chapel Farm Park or Wyldecrest Surrey Hills - and need to pick up a novel or kill an hour on a rainy afternoon. Don't expect rare manuscripts or architectural drama; this is working library territory. The opening hours are a bit fragmented (afternoons only on Mondays, mornings and early afternoons other days), so check before you visit. Admission is free, naturally.

If you're based around Guildford and spending a week at one of the local parks, this makes sense as a wet-weather option rather than a destination in itself. Families might find the children's section useful for a quick browse, though older kids will probably find it limited. The real value is in its ordinariness - it's the kind of place that shows you how locals actually spend their time, away from the tourist trail.