6 reasons you need to visit The Leeds Library

The Leeds Library is an absolute gem in the Leeds’ crown and no visit to the city is complete without a tour of this amazing cultural institution. In honour of their £2.6million extension we have put together our 6 reasons why it needs to be added to your itinerary:

1) They have a word of the day board at their front door.

You’d be forgiven to just walk past the entrance to The Leeds Library as it’s hidden behind shops on the High Street. However, one of it’s main giveaways is this stand outside with their word of the day. Check it out everyday of your visit and impress your family and friends when you get home with your new vocabulary.

2) They have an amazing collection from the Middle Ages all the way up to new releases.

The books inside The Leeds Library are so varied and there is so many books on art, history, nature, science and travel, with more added all the time (they’re actually not allowed to throw any away!) For tours and on special request, the safe is opened to some of their most special and rare books. This includes a copy of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale with a ‘bullet hole’, a first edition of the classic sci-fi horror Frankenstein and the oldest in their collection – Itinerarius in Partes Ierosolimitanas by John de Mandeville from 1483.

3) Their history.

The Leeds Library was founded all the way back in 1768 and is the oldest member subscription library in the UK. Alongside their books which are being catalogued, digitised, rebound etc… Their own records are kept as meticulous as they can. Peering over at a book of all the businesses in Leeds at one point, the word asbestos did come up quite a lot! You can learn a lot about the library, it’s members and the history of Leeds within it’s pages.

4) Visit The Leeds Library ghost.

In 1965, John Y.W. McAllister thought the face he saw down the passageway was that of a thief… only to see it floating with no body below. Following the pallid and hairless face further, it suddenly disappeared. After speaking to a member of the library committee he was shown a photo of the exact same man – Vincent Thomas Sternberg – who had passed away. He can still be seen late at night in the library moving the ladders around and disappearing through bookshelves. The library hosts ghost tours which also explores some of the ghosts nearby in the city too.

5) It’s an architectural gem.

With winding stairs, wooden lecterns and chairs older than most members, The Leeds Library is a stunning spot to explore for it’s aesthetic look. Being in it’s current spot since 1808, it’s a rare example of a Georgian ‘public’ library with a stunning marble entrance, ancient Greek designs and a few old typewriters lying around… almost like it’s the office of an old history Professor. If you are into the dark academia/classic literature vibe, then you can’t miss this place on your visit to Leeds.

6) It’s a great spot for some unique events.

Hosting a variety of events from author readings, exhibitions, workshops and film viewings, there is plenty of chances for non-members to enjoy The Leeds Library. After a £2.3million pound investment in extending the library, they have more space for you to host your own events, and you can even get married there!

Read on further for The Leeds Library statement on their new extension and for more images from our most recent visit.

NEW CHAPTER FOR HISTORIC LEEDS LIBRARY WITH OPENING OF £2.3m EXTENSION

The Leeds Library turns the page on a new chapter in April with the unveiling of a new extension.

In an investment totalling £2.3million, the library has extended its historic home on Commercial Street and created new facilities including an event space for education and community activities, a rooftop reading terrace, more space for books in the ever-growing 140,000-strong collection, and a lift that will make the library accessible for the first time in its history. The library will also expand its offer of room hire and wedding packages.

The ribbon will be cut by some of the Leeds Library’s longest-serving members, who have held subscriptions since the 1960s, with guest of honour the Lord Mayor joining project partners, donors, representatives from other cultural organisations, trustees and library staff at the unveiling.

The Next Chapter project began in 2022 with the acquisition of former retail premises adjoining the existing building. It was made possible by supporters including Ecology Building Society, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston, The Bernard Sunley Foundation, the Architectural Heritage Fund and individual donors.

Founded in 1768, the Leeds Library is the oldest independent subscription library in the UK.

Chair of Trustees Paul Ellis said: “The completion of the Next Chapter project marks an exciting new phase in the Leeds Library’s two hundred and fifty-seven year history, securing the library’s future and allowing us to play our part in handing on this extraordinary legacy to future generations.”

CEO Nina Corey said: “We would like to thank all the library’s members and partners for their unwavering support, without whom this transformation would not have been possible. We look forward to welcoming new and existing members and visitors to the library, and to introducing the next generation to the wonder of libraries, books, reading, and storytelling.”