The expansion of the 254-year-old library will include renovating its neighbouring building on Commercial Street, creating more space for books currently in storage as well as the installation of a lift to make the site more accessible. Conversion works are set to begin within the next three months, with planning permission for the expansion granted in November last year.
Carl Hutton, CEO of Leeds Library, said: “The library is an important part of the heritage of the city; the books that are here and have been collected by members are a unique reading record of what people in the city have been reading for over 250 years. The education space is important for the community too, and in a time where a lot of shops are shutting in the city centre, [the expansion] is showing confidence in the city centre when a lot of businesses are closing.”
Take a tour of the library below and find out more about the expansion set to take place this year.
1. Oldest surviving subscription library in Britain
Founded in 1768, The Leeds Library is the oldest surviving subscription library in the British Isles - meaning it is a library created, owned and run by its members. Pictured is David Butcher, a trustee and tour guide at the Leeds Library. Photo: Steve riding
2. More than 140,000 books
The library has a huge collection of literature, travel books, biographies, history and other non-fiction items, totalling more than 140,000 books on its premises. The expansion into the library's neighbouring building on Commercial Street will allow for more space to display books currently in storage. Photo: steve riding
3. Lift installed to make the library more accessible
The expansion is also going to make Leeds Library a more accessible space, with the installation of a lift to reach all 12 floors. Photo: steve riding
4. Expansion would increase floor space by a third
Planning permission to expand into the library's neighbouring building was granted in November 2022, increasing Leeds Library's floor space by a third. Photo: steve riding
5. 1,500 items added each year
About 1,500 new books and audio visual items are added every year to the library, most of which are recommended by the current members. Photo: steve riding
6. 30,000 books off-site
There are currently around 30,000 books off-site, and with the expansion CEO of Leeds Library Carl Hutton hopes to bring some of those books onto the new premises. Photo: steve riding