Leeds Libraries

29/08/2026

🔖 Distractions are all around us and sometimes it can be difficult to get some peace and quiet to settle in with a great book. That's why in October we're starting monthly quiet reading sessions, whether your TBR list is as long as your arm or you're just rediscovering a love of reading.

We'll have an hour of silent reading with half an hour either side for an optional tea, coffee and a chat. If you're going to read anywhere, it may as well be in your very own beautiful grade II* listed library!

📍 Leeds Central Library, Hummerston Suite
📅 Fridays 10am-12pm (9 October, 6 November, 4 December) and Wednesdays 5-7pm (14 October, 11 November, 16 December)
🎟️ Book now on the Leeds Libraries ticketsource

28/08/2026

Our libraries and community hubs will be closed on Monday for the Bank Holiday. We'll be back open as normal on Tuesday. Have a lovely weekend!

28/08/2026

When does something become a cult classic? Marlen Haushofer's (recently republished) 1963 novel about a woman surviving on her own behind a mysterious wall in the Alps, with nothing but a dog, cat and a cow for company could fit the bill.

Do you have a favourite read that nobody else has hear of? Go on, let us in on your secret. Fill out our review form for National Year of Reading 2026: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/WyWMDrRRpX

28/08/2026

Discover the M&S Archive at Moor Allerton Library & Hub - Friday 4 September, 10.30am.

Re-live the fashions of the past with original clothing and accessories from the 1940’s to the 1970’s, with an opportunity to take a closer look at original objects telling the story of Marks and Spencers.

Book your free ticket here: https://www.ticketsource.com/leedslibraryevents/discover-the-m-amp-s-archive/e-vgmzge

22/08/2026

🎸 We'll be hosting part of the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival's Folk Roots Fringe on Saturday 5th! Come down to Chapel Allerton Library for a free (donations welcome) show 2-4pm.

🤠 You can see the full line-up on the Chapel Allerton Festival page: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GyExCo7K6c8Np3Ji1fq8hp4F1j?domain=facebook.com

📅 Saturday 5 September
⏲️ 2-4pm
📍 Chapel Allerton Library

21/08/2026

Last chance to see!

Our Story Explorers exhibition at Leeds Central Library is finishing next Saturday 29 August! It's been fantastic to welcome so many families to explore the far reaches of outer space, the depths of the jungle and the bottom of the ocean floor since February, but we have to say goodbye 😢

Drop in and check it out in its last week, while you can!

21/08/2026

If you enjoyed Piñeiro's previous, International Booker-shortlisted, Elena Knows, check out the Argentine's 2024 mystery about private investigation and pest control 🪰

Do you have a favourite book from Latin America (that isn't by Gabriel Garcia Marquez)? Share your favourite reads via our online form or at any Leeds Libraries site!

19/08/2026

It was great to support the Children's Art section of the 105th(!) Calverley Show this year with our Drop In and Make sessions at Calverley Library.

If you missed it, don't worry! The artwork will be on display in the library and at the Methodist Chapel. You won't want to miss it, the Show Secretary said the judge "had a difficult job" deciding between the "very talented" artists ✏️

You can read the full story at West Leeds Dispatch:

By Anne Akers Entries for Calverley Show’s children’s art section have been boosted thanks to a Drop In and Make session in the village’s newly-opened library. Show Secretary Noel Akers […]

18/08/2026

There's still time to rock out before school holidays end! 🎸

Next week we will be hosting Maker{Futures} from the University of Sheffield for a special workshop at Leeds Central Library, for anyone aged 8-13.

Get creative by making your own musical instruments from recycled materials, then learn how to compose, record and share your own digital musical masterpieces! 🌟

📅 Date: Wednesday 26th August
🕤 Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
📍 Venue: Leeds Central Library, Ground Floor, Hummerston Suite

Book now on the Leeds Libraries Ticketsource page: https://www.ticketsource.com/leedslibraryevents/maker-music-code-to-the-beat/e-vgqabr

Buy tickets for Leeds Libraries's upcoming events. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

17/08/2026

📢 Coming up in September! 📢

Our new exhibition - Leodis: 400 Years of Leeds in the Leeds Libraries Collections. 16 September to 11 November, 1st Floor, Leeds Central Library. Free to visit during opening hours.

Discover four centuries of the Leeds people, places, and events that have shaped the city, told through archival materials preserved by our Heritage and Research department.

We also have a full programme of local history talks and workshops - find out more here: https://leedsinspired.co.uk/blog/leeds400-heritage-events-leeds-libraries