#LeedsCentralLibrary

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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Leeds Tapestry - Kate Peace and Emma Hayton
20th February 2026
3 mins read

New Panel Added to Leeds Tapestry Celebrating City’s Story

A much-loved landmark of Leeds’ cultural life has gained a striking new addition, as a freshly created panel has been installed alongside the iconic Leeds Tapestry at Leeds Central Library. The new work, entirely designed and stitched by local residents, explores ideas of freedom and what the concept means in modern Leeds. Created through…
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Storytelling Festival 2025 Square by Kate Pankhurst
14th February 2025
2 mins read

Leeds Storytelling Festival Launches for Families and Children to Connect, Create and Get Inspired

This month, Leeds is set to host a brand new festival dedicated to the enchanting art of storytelling, promising a fresh and exciting cultural experience for the city. The Leeds Storytelling Festival, organized by Leeds Libraries in collaboration with local arts groups Wrongsemble and LIVEwire Poetry, aims to celebrate and explore the diverse world…
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Voice of the Fans
11th January 2025
3 mins read

Library Launches Zine Appeal for Exciting New Football Fan Exhibition

Leeds Central Library is bringing together a unique collection of zines that chronicle the passion, joy, and heartbreak of football fans over the years. This curated collection will be the highlight of the forthcoming exhibition, Voice of the Fans, which is scheduled to open in May. The exhibition aims to celebrate the creativity and…
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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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World Peace Flame
22nd March 2024
2 mins read

World Peace Flame unveiled in Leeds city centre park

In Park Square, Leeds, the Lord Mayor of the city has revealed the UK’s inaugural city center-based World Peace Flame. Encased within a custom-designed and locally crafted replica miners’ lamp, the Park Square World Peace Flame serves as a representation of peace, unity, and freedom. The realization of this city center project was made…
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Alford Gardner at the Jamaican Society Leeds For King, Country and Home exhibition which he opened in April. Photo; David Lindsay
17th November 2023
2 mins read

City Salutes Trailblazing Windrush pioneer with prestigious Award

One of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman will receive a prestigious civic honour, it was confirmed today. At a meeting of Leeds City Council’s, members approved the nomination for Alford Gardner to be a recipient of The Leeds Award, which recognises…
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Antarctic photo album
6th October 2023
2 mins read

Antique photo find takes librarians on surprise of discovery

A classic case of not judging a book by its cover took librarians in Leeds on a fascinating photographic journey through a daring Antarctic rescue mission. During routine cataloguing in Leeds Central Library’s strongroom, special collections librarian Rhian Isaac found what appeared to be an unassuming family photo album tucked away on a shelf.…
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Leeds Children’s Mayor
1st September 2023
4 mins read

Voting opens for the Leeds Children’s Mayor

Children and young people in the city are being encouraged to cast their vote in the election to decide the next Leeds City Children’s Mayor. The programme is now in its 20th year and Leeds was one of the first cities in the UK to elect a young mayor. It is a unique opportunity…
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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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