Story Explorers
Take a fantastical trip to the far reaches of outer space, the depths of the jungle and the bottom of the ocean floor in a free family experience that we’ve created with the British Library.
Inspired by our work with Leeds families, there’ll be lots of books, of course, but also intriguing objects, surprising sounds and exciting art. Oh, and there’s also a giant cuddly octopus!
Whatever it is, everything in ‘Story Explorers’ has a story to tell, and so do you.
Here’s what to expect when you visit:
interactive elements for children to play with and creative ways to get involved, including a moon you can step in to and explore, an octopus to sit and read with, and an activity table to draw and create at
see some weird and wonderful items up close – selected from and inspired by the collections of Leeds Libraries, Leeds Museums and Galleries, and the British Library – all while you explore three imaginary worlds
a mini children’s library to sit in and relax together
family-friendly facilities including free buggy park, baby change units and accessible toilet
Co-produced by the British Library and Leeds Libraries.
More Events
Solving History Mysteries – Taphophile Turned Detective
27th March 2026 - 27th March 2026
Join us for an illustrated informal talk by Jeanette, researcher and assistant tour guide at Beckett Street Cemetery, Leeds. Now ‘home’ to 180,000 people, Beckett…
CROAKY Drawing Workshop with Matty Long
28th March 2026 - 28th March 2026
As part of our Story Explorers events programme, join author, illustrator of the CROAKY series, Matty Long, for a fun and interactive drawing workshop to…
Start-up, Start Here: Business for Beginners
30th March 2026 - 30th March 2026
Starting up? Start here. Join us on Monday 30th March 2026 for our Start-up, Start Here event to celebrate the Business & IP Centre network…
Seven by Seven – vinyl playing session
14th November 2026 - 14th November 2026
Music Library, Floor 1, Leeds Central Library Join Leeds Libraries and Seven by Seven for a free uplifting music event! Seven by Seven is a…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Clive Gregson & The Hayes Sisters: Love At The Five & Dime – Remembering Nanci Griffith
Consummate guitarist, mandolin player and songwriter, Clive Gregson toured as part of Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra from 1996–2007. Nanci’s version of his song I…
Learn MoreLines of Enquiry: Drawings from the Collection
This display brings together a range of drawings from the Leeds Museums and Galleries nationally renowned works on paper collection which illuminate the varied roles…
Learn MoreLouise Alder, Huw Montague Rendall & Joseph Middleton
Two of the brightest stars in opera and song, Louise Alder and Huw Montague Rendall, return to Leeds fresh from acclaimed performances at the BBC…
Learn MoreCOBO: Comedy Shutdown
COBO: Comedy Shutdown returns to Leeds with a night of big laughs, big energy & elite stand-up comedy. Bring your friends, family or crew and…
Learn MoreOperation Mincemeat
Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It’s London’s biggest hit with 77 Five-Star reviews, making it the best-reviewed show in West…
Learn MoreSparky Saturdays: Summer Styling
It’s summer holiday season, and time for a new M&S summer campaign. As Creative Director you’re in charge – styling, script, photography. Show the world…
Learn MoreThe Tetley Pub
The Tetley is the former headquarters of Joshua Tetley & Son, at one time the largest producer of cask beer in the world. After closing…
Learn MoreTiki Hideaway
Welcome to our exciting tiki hideaway – situated upstairs at Call Lane Social. A 1950’s inspired tropical slice of Tiki goodness for urban beachcombers. It’s…
Learn MoreCall Lane Social
Call Lane Social opened in 2010 and has quickly become a Leeds favourite. Independent, family run bar, they’re all about making great drinks and great…
Learn MoreMOJO Bar
The original MOJO bar, which has blazed the trail for the Leeds independent bar scene since opening in 1996. A fantastic combination of New York…
Learn MoreSesame
Sesame is a chic urban deli priding itself in selling products which are fresh, wholesome, local where possible but mostly they look for products made…
Learn MoreDry Dock
The Dry Dock is one of the most versatile venues in Leeds. Where else can you head to a docked boat maintaining its authentic features…
Learn MoreBarkston House
A creative retreat on an industrial estate in Holbeck. Barkston House is a former office building located in the Holbeck area of Leeds. East Street…
Learn MoreThe Wardrobe
The Wardrobe, now a Leeds institution, has been at the vanguard of the city’s live music scene for well over a decade. A bar, kitchen,…
Learn MoreLeeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus
Leeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus, Playhouse Square, Leeds, LS2 7BS
Learn MoreSt Andrews Methodist Church
St Andrew’s Community Centre in Beeston is a hub for the diverse community that lives locally to it, and has been so for many years.…
Learn MoreTCV Skelton Grange
We welcome people of all ages to learn, volunteer and play outdoors at our award-winning eco-centre and nature area in Leeds. Please visit our website…
Learn MoreMiddleton St. George’s Centre Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreBramley Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreScrap Creative Reuse Art Project
Scrap is a social enterprise based in Leeds, focused on helping the environment by reusing waste materials from businesses as resources for art and play.…
Learn MoreThe Woolpack Music Studios
The Woolpack Studios is a community music studio and rehearsal space in the centre of Otley, run by Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh. As well…
Learn MoreLeeds Beckett University – City Centre Campus
Based in the thriving city of Leeds, our University is one of the most popular in the country. With over 29,000 students and 3,000 staff,…
Learn More