The Leeds Library

What it’s like

A working library of 140,000-plus historic books in Leeds city centre, open to non-members for a peek at set times each week.

This isn't a place with a soft play corner or a trail sheet, it's a proper old subscription library, and what you're bringing kids for is the sight of it: floor to ceiling historic books, 140,000 of them, in a building that's kept this collection going for a long time. Older kids who like old things, or who are curious about how a library worked before computers, will get more out of it than a toddler will.

Non-members can't just wander in whenever they fancy. You get a window: Monday to Friday between 1pm and 3pm, or Thursday evenings between 5pm and 7pm, and you just ring the buzzer to be let in. Outside those hours the doors are for members only, so it's worth building your visit around that slot rather than turning up on spec.

If you want more than a look around, the volunteer-led behind-the-scenes tours go deeper into the building and its history, and they're free, though you do need to book through their events page. There's also a Medieval-Style Girdle Book binding course listed, but that one's for over-18s only.

Access-wise, there's a stair lift from the foyer and a through-floor lift from the accessible entrance if you've got a buggy or a wheelchair to think about. Assistance dogs are welcome too. It won't fill an afternoon on its own, but as a short, unusual stop with an older child who likes books, it's got something a normal library day out doesn't.

Need to know

Wheelchairs

Stair lift from foyer to first floor

Dogs

Assistance dogs and assistance dogs-in-training welcome

• Non-member access is only in set windows, not all opening hours
• The accessible entrance is between Ann Summers and Cinnabon, not the main door
• Tours are free but need booking on the events page
• The book binding course is for over-18s, not a kids' activity

Plan your visit

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