5
Not just "a" library – "the" library
When I was first researching my trip to Leeds, I was slightly confused to find that there was a place named The Leeds Library, which was different from Leeds Central Library. I was intrigued by that confidence and the apparent historicity of this place, so it went on my list of placed I wanted to see. By chance of timing and geography, it ended up being the first place I visited after dropping off my luggage and having a bite to eat. I was also lucky that one of the board members of the library happened to see me looking interested outside the building and not only showed me their new accessible entrance but also gave me a tour of the whole library! It really turned into “the” place to be.
The Leeds Library is a subscription library, which means that members pay a monthly fee to use the premises and the collections. Not living in Leeds myself, it obviously did not make sense for me to become a member, but that had no impact on the warm welcome I received. Alas, not everyone can have my luck and run into their tour guide in front of the building, so if you are not a member and keen to visit, I recommend getting in touch to arrange someone to let you in and show you around.
I was very taken with the historic charm of the place and how well the modern extension had been integrated to allow for better accessibility. Apparently many members use it as a calm and cosy place to work, study and – of course – read as well as a chance to make social connections with fellow members. There are even events and clubs and the Heritage Society has their own room to meet and research in. They also curate the little exhibition in the foyer of the main entrance.
The building that houses the library was built for it over 200 years ago and while not necessarily practical for a wheelchair user (looking at you, spiral staircases), it is certainly gorgeous. (And only the librarian is allowed up on the spiral staircases and mezzanines.) I really enjoyed learning about the history, for example that the first two librarians were mother and daughter. Also the library’s collection is apparently so big that there is no one who knows exactly what it all is they have! You could barely engineer a place that aligns more with my interests.
When I was first researching my trip to Leeds, I was slightly confused to find that there was a place named The Leeds Library, which was different from Leeds Central Library. I was intrigued by that confidence and the apparent historicity of this place, so it went on my list of placed I wanted to see. By chance of timing and geography, it ended up being the first place I visited after dropping off my luggage and having a bite to eat. I was also lucky that one of the board members of the library happened to see me looking interested outside the building and not only showed me their new accessible entrance but also gave me a tour of the whole library! It really turned into “the” place to be.
The Leeds Library is a subscription library, which means that members pay a monthly fee to use the premises and the collections. Not living in Leeds myself, it obviously did not make sense for me to become a member, but that had no impact on the warm welcome I received. Alas, not everyone can have my luck and run into their tour guide in front of the building, so if you are not a member and keen to visit, I recommend getting in touch to arrange someone to let you in and show you around.
I was very taken with the historic charm of the place and how well the modern extension had been integrated to allow for better accessibility. Apparently many members use it as a calm and cosy place to work, study and – of course – read as well as a chance to make social connections with fellow members. There are even events and clubs and the Heritage Society has their own room to meet and research in. They also curate the little exhibition in the foyer of the main entrance.
The building that houses the library was built for it over 200 years ago and while not necessarily practical for a wheelchair user (looking at you, spiral staircases), it is certainly gorgeous. (And only the librarian is allowed up on the spiral staircases and mezzanines.) I really enjoyed learning about the history, for example that the first two librarians were mother and daughter. Also the library’s collection is apparently so big that there is no one who knows exactly what it all is they have! You could barely engineer a place that aligns more with my interests.
For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: enquiries@theleedslibrary.org.uk
