Question

The diagram below shows the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer

The maps show the Central Library at two points in time: the present and twenty years ago. It can be seen that both the organisation of the library and the services available have changed significantly.

In terms of organisation, all children’s books were previously located in a single section. Today, children's fiction can be found in a newly-built storytelling room, whereas children’s non-fiction is grouped with adult books, forming a general reference section.

In terms of services, rooms are now allocated to specific events. An enlarged room in the top-left corner of the library is used for storytelling and includes two new sofas. A café has replaced the enquiry desk, meaning that members are now required to check out books themselves. A new lecture theatre and a computer room have been added, replacing the children’s section and the reading rooms.

Some other amenities are no longer available. The central seating area has been removed, and access to games and CDs has been discontinued.

(170 words)