Leeds Central Library

Ok, I love a good library, so I’m already biased. Really, this isn’t quite what I’d count as a «good» library. When I think of a good library I think of a huge library packed with more books than a person could ever hope to read. This library (at least in this location, it’s possible it’s spread across other buildings) does not have endless books. It has books, but it focusses on a few, small-​ish sections with only a couple of themes, the most extensive of which seems to be the arts section.
That makes sense, the library is housed in the same building as the art gallery (closed for work on the roof in 2016, to reopen in 2017 some time). Still, it would be nice if more options were available, but this isn’t the place to go pick up the latest best seller or to find the book you need to help you finish your essay.
So why is this a five star review? Because of the building. Even without being able to explore the art gallery half of it, it is incredibly beautiful inside. It’s a grade II listed building that was constructed between 1878 and 1884. It’s all arch ways and vaulted ceilings, the marble staircases are framed with sculptures of dogs fighting, begging and guarding the books. Beautiful tiles line the floors and walls, giving a slightly Turkish effect and exploring all of this is a real treat even if you’ve never really been all that fussed about books.
The Leeds tapestries are also on display here, a modern series of tapestries celebrating the city and deserving of study. There’s a café on the ground floor which looks and smells very good and is certainly popular. There’s also a gift shop and with a slightly more specialised shop attached, selling paintings, sculptures and jewellery by local artists. Across several of the floors are spaces for study and learning.
Don’t go in expecting to borrow any book you can imagine (unless you want art books or books on family history). Go in to explore the beautiful architecture. It really is something special.

Leeds should be extremely proud to have this grade 2 listed building as it’s central library.
Obviously, there are a whole lot of books in here but there are also lots of free to use computers, exhibitions and even a media studio.
The building itself is worth seeing and there are regular tours to point out the special features.
The library often holds events at the Central library and thease are advertised within Leeds libraries and on the council website.

A great library which is well set out. Easy too to get a computer at short notice. The only negative is the oldish guy who works on floor 2. He really needs to get off his high horse and loose the bad attitude. Just because I didn’t have any loose coins to pay for printing he rudely said to me «we’re not a bank». Sadly for the rude member of staff I’m also not a bank and don’t always carry loose coins on me.

The Leeds Central library is one of the most prominent buildings in Leeds City centre. Situated right next to the town hall, you cant miss it. it’s a massive building with vintage interiors. When inside, you will find a very wide range of books covering almost everything, CD’s Videos, DVD’s and even Audiobooks. There are millions of books available to read in or take out and even a PC and internet service. You can check out their online catalog if you wish before you want to visit them. Most people only know that the library stops on the ground floor. But if you are one of them, do not forget to visit the 2^nd floor which takes a bit of figuring out to find where the actual library starts as the premise is shared and lo and behold you find another range of books and the daily local newspapers. The staff are very helpful and if you are lost, they are the ones to go to for any help or advise.
On a nice summer day, you could also play chess with life-​size pieces outside the library. surely worth a visit

I love this library! The building is amazing. It’s worth stopping in just to see the gorgeous pillars and staircases. If you go there to study, I recommend going to the second level and sitting at one of the desks that looks out at the city centre. It’s a great people watching opportunity. Minus a star because their book selection isn’t as extensive as I would like.

+ Open everyday. Open late three days a week. Free internet even if you’re not member. Central location. Local History section is good. Can actually go to the library and study in silence. The building itself is very ornate and the staff are very helpful
— The lending library could have more up to date books

Leeds is full of surprises and this is one of them. Outside the City Library and Art Gallery there is a space with a couple of giant chess boards and pieces. Countless people stop to munch their sandwiches around here at lunch time and watch as the pieces are strategically moved. Its great to see this public space being used in a way that brings strangers together in a city centre where there aren’t many parks or areas for just sitting and beats watching the cars pass. It is beside a busy main road but on a sunny afternoon this is doesn’t really matter. I’m not sure where the pieces come from or where they go but they seem to be there whenever anyone wants to play. I can’t help but notice that it is more frequently men playing chess.

I am a self confessed geek. This is a fact for all those that know me. I am also a Chess nerd, and for all opportunities where there is a chess game on the go I tend to gawp like said geek that I am and wile away the hours pre-​empting strategic moves for each player. It is a tragic state of affairs for which I am aware and unrepenting. It’s a dad-​daughter thing. Sorry folks. When looking for brain fuel I often resort to computer chess, but on a nice day I do look to outdoor chess, and the oversized pieces and slightly dishevelled looking pieces that have seen better days do make me a bit giddy inside. Unfortunately for chess lovers, there is a bit of an issue with getting a play, as some of the games can go on forever, and some of the oldtimers can spend hours perusing which move to take and you’re really not sure what the order of play is or how you can get in on a game.

I had no Internet about two weeks ago, I thought I was going to die; I can’t live without it. I had to end the nightmare that was a day without Facebook or Unilocal,so I went across the road to use and abuse the library for their services, hey that’s what they’re there for.
I went in and really did not expect anything, its the library nothing library related ever interests me. I walked in and was so surprised by what I found, the interior was exquisite. Tapestry all over this place looks like something out of a photography portfolio, I had to take a few pictures it was that beautiful. Surprised I ventured around and noticed some really great facilities. For teenagers under 17 there is a dedicated area for them to ‘hang’ and to use computers, read magazines, exactly what kids today need. Venturing deeper into the library I discovered the music library which consisted of a room filled with every CD you could imagine, I was in heaven and was pleasantly surprised to see a CD by Har Mar Superstar, cant imagine many library goers hire that one out!
Rant! Back to the Internet issue. I wondered up to a kind looking lady who was very informative about their Internet services. I joined the library then and there and got my 2-​hour slot on a computer. I was in heaven, 20 notifications on Facebook and about 5 Unilocal reviews later I was myself again.
The library is certainly worth visiting, its such a beautiful building inside and hey if you’re stuck for internet you know where to go for free usage for up to 2 hours!

I refuse to pretend that I have any knowledge whatsoever about the game of chess. I once watched a documentary about an eight-​year-​old Chinese girl who was humiliating scores of adults on a global scale, by mercilessly beating them. Unfortunately, I did not glean any tips from the programme, such was the speed of her moves. My Mam did attempt to teach me the rules one rainy afternoon when I was a child, but I soon lost interest, and the headache inducing Hungry Hippos made a return to the table.
During the Summer months, the huge chess boards which are painted onto the ground, are often in demand. The novelty sized chess pieces make the game more visually interesting, and a large crowd is often attracted to the commotion. The characters who participate are a varied mixture of people, young and old. There is a lovely communal atmosphere to the proceedings, with strangers often engaging in a game together.
Thus far, I have only been a spectator of the sport. I do not think I would be very well received if I sauntered over to the boards and casually challenged these earnest, mathematical types to a Hungry Hippos tournament. I’ll just watch.

Visit this library and you will find a very wide range of books, CD’s Videos, DVD’s and even Audiobooks. There are millions of books available to read in or take out and even a PC and internet service.
I love visiting the libraries in Leeds, there’s something nostalgic and old about them which makes me feel relaxed and a little bit happy!

In these days of widespread internet access and bestseller price-​wars (excuse me for sounding old), libraries seem a bit of a dated concept. When supermarkets, chain bookstores and online retailers are falling over each other to sell the latest Dan Brown or JK Rowling for 2p and a piece of string, the idea of going into a drafty old building to borrow a copy which you then have to remember to return seems hardly worth the effort. It’s a pity, because libraries — and Leeds Central is a shining example — have so much more to offer than books. As well as the usual lending library of fiction and non-​fiction, audiobooks and foreign language books, Leeds Central Library has a space aimed specifically at young adults with graphic novels, magazines and their own PCs; a music and audio library of over 12,000 CDs and DVDs; a CD showcase of local bands; a specialist art library and a space dedicated to family history research, including free access to websites that normally charge a hefty subscription fee. It’s also just a great place to come and relax, curl up with a book or admire the Leeds tapestry, a visual catalogue of life in Leeds. Just don’t tell too many people about it — we like it quiet.

I was pleasantly surprised with Leeds central library not only is it situated in a magnificent buiding in Leeds city centre but it’s not full of books that are more than 15 years old. There is a good range of books covering all subjects and the majority of which are recent and update. There are a number of chairs and tables too so you can read and browse at your own speed. The library also offers DVDs and CDs to borrow and there are computers available to browse the internet. It is fairly easy to find what you are looking for and there is plenty of staff at hand to help. The added bonus is that the library is open 7 days a week and is regularly open late which is great for people who work during the day.

There are many terrific things about Leeds Central Library. For one thing it’s beautiful (if you go for a crazy ornate baroque style. I do!) It has recently installed a self-​checkout system for books which is wonderfully handy. No more queuing at the counter! Up on the second floor is the Art Department, which for a crafter/​jewellery-​making enthusiast/​painter type (moi!) is really wonderful — I could browse in there forever. Also unlike most public libraries it has decent toilets. The reference section is also good and the staff helpful.
I will say there is one appalling thing about LCL — the audio-​visual department is completely UN-​ALPHABETICISED! Can you believe it? I kid you not: if you’re looking for a particular DVD/​CD/​whatever, you have to sort and tow through mountains of assorted, UNSORTED items, with no certainty that you’ll ever find what you’re looking for Okay, I have a bee in my bonnet about it.
But apart from that, LCL really is rockin’.

Despite the large and imposing exterior, the library is a little bit small inside, and some of the staff can be difficult to work with. Though, a good selection of books, and willing to give information and guidance.