BOOKS

Special collections librarian Antony Ramm with one of a pair of antique library books written by a renowned 19th century geologist, which have finally been returned 50 years overdue.
6th March 2026
2 mins read

Late return writes a new chapter for antique fossil books

A pair of antique library books written by celebrated 19th century geologist Rev William Buckland have been returned to Leeds Central Library — 50 years overdue. Volumes I and II of Geology and Mineralogy, first published in 1836, were due back in March 1976. Instead, the historic books were recently discovered by staff at…
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Mayor Tracy Brabin with last year's Young Poet Laureates, Isabelle and Alina
24th January 2025
2 mins read

West Yorkshire Announces New Young Poets Laureate, Recognizing Region’s Rising Talent

West Yorkshire has proudly announced its new Young Poets Laureate, marking a significant recognition of the burgeoning literary talent in the region. The announcement, led by Mayor Tracy Brabin and National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, underscores a strong commitment to nurturing young voices and celebrating creative expression. The competition, which drew hundreds of submissions…
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Leeds Libraries
16th August 2024
3 mins read

Leeds Libraries to Update Opening Hours After Public Feedback

Several of Leeds’s libraries are set to have their opening hours adjusted following a public consultation. The survey was conducted to assess how libraries are utilized throughout the city and to explore ways to alleviate the financial pressures facing the council. Libraries and community hubs, which serve as vital resources for the residents, were…
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The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
26th April 2024
2 mins read

Rediscovering Life’s Purpose: Exploring ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’

In a world often marked by hustle, stress, and the relentless pursuit of success, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Robin Sharma’s timeless classic, ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,’ serves as a beacon of wisdom, guiding readers on a transformative journey toward fulfillment, inner peace, and purposeful living. Published in…
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Rhian Isaac, special collections librarian at Leeds Central Library
5th January 2024
2 mins read

Library’s light fantastic storybook scenes add a touch of glass

A beautiful collection of vintage magic lantern slides has been shedding new light on scenes from some of history’s most iconic stories. The beautiful, coloured glass slides date from around 1906, and feature moments from classic tales including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Aladdin. Each of the delicate slides, on display at Leeds…
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Saxton’s Atlas, which he dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II
1st September 2023
2 mins read

Library’s precious atlas charts a course through nation’s history

An incredibly rare copy of one of the first UK atlases ever created will be going on display at a library in Leeds. Containing 35 detailed, hand coloured maps of the counties of England and Wales, the fascinating book was created by the Yorkshire-born ‘father of English cartography’ Christopher Saxton in 1579 after getting…
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Senior librarian Rhian Isaac in Kirkstall Abbey with Leeds Central Library's precious copy of the Missale ad usum Cistercienci.
30th June 2023
2 mins read

New chapter as Monks’ historic book returns to Kirkstall Abbey

A one-of-a-kind book has returned to the ruins of the historic abbey where it was diligently inscribed and studied by monks more than 500 years ago. The incredibly rare copy of Missale ad usum Cistercienci was printed in Paris in 1516 and is believed to have once belonged to the monks of Kirkstall Abbey…
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Rhian Isaac, Leeds Central Library's senior librarian with the library's copy of My Own Garden- The Young Gardener’s Yearbook.
28th October 2022
2 mins read

International poison project uncovers library’s toxic tome

A rare book laced with a deadly poison has been discovered by librarians in Leeds as part of a global search for the toxic texts stashed on shelves across the world. Leeds Central Library’s copy of My Own Garden: The Young Gardener’s Yearbook was published back in 1855, and has been safely tucked away…
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Summer Reading Challenge
8th July 2022
2 mins read

Keep kids reading all summer long with free reading challenge

Young books lovers in Leeds are being challenged to make some fascinating scientific discoveries at their local library this summer. Leeds Libraries’ free Summer Reading Challenge is calling on youngsters to find out more about the world around them by reading six or more from a collection of science-themed story books and factual books,…
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Leeds Lit Fest
11th February 2022
3 mins read

Save the Date! Leeds Libraries to launch Leeds Lit Fest 2022 with a day of free events for families and children

Join us on 26 February for family-friendly reading activities at Leeds Central Library. People across the city are invited to join Leeds Libraries to celebrate this year’s Lit Fest, with a programme of live, face-to-face author events, workshops and activities for children and families – many of which will be free to enjoy. This year’s…
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Leeds Library
5th November 2021
1 min read

Leeds City Council announces new library opening hours

Libraries across Leeds are now fully open and are offering residents a wide range of support and services, from free digital skills courses to children’s story time sessions and live performances. To mark local libraries coming fully back to life, their opening hours changed on Monday 1 November to better reflect residents returning to…
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Leeds Big Book Grab
29th September 2019
1 min read

Schools take part in Big Leeds Book Grab

Schools from across the city joined the Big Leeds Book Grab, with each one choosing up to 150 free books from a warehouse packed with 8,000 brand new titles. With an array of fiction and non-fiction for ages 3-15 on offer, it was a great opportunity to refresh school libraries, ready for National Libraries…
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Michael Morpurgo A Lifetime in Stories
9th February 2019
1 min read

Museum steps inside the stories of Michael Morpurgo

Captivating tales penned by one of the nation’s best-loved children’s storytellers have come to life in a new exhibition in Leeds. Curated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories opens on February 8 at Leeds City Museum, and takes families on a playful journey through hugely…
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Harry Potter A History of Magic
20th October 2017
5 mins read

Library network launches Harry Potter-inspired displays across UK

Leeds Central Library to host display inspired by the British Library’s new exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic. From Friday 20 October 2017, visitors will be able to discover fascinating facts about the History of Magic at Leeds Central Library. Displays will launch simultaneously in 20 public libraries across the UK in tandem…
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Leeds Central Library
7th June 2017
1 min read

Nordic tales give Leeds library’s collection a Finnishing touch

Visitors to Leeds Central Library can explore an epic tale of Nordic myth and magic after collection of classic and contemporary Finnish books arrived in the city today. Part of the new 10×10 Stories from Finland campaign by the Finnish Institute in London, the selection of literature was donated to celebrate a century of Finnish…
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