Leeds Libraries

It's hard to beat a good short story. Thanks to Carrie for recommending this classic collection from underrated Dorothy Whipple. I enjoyed this tale of two covers, with our minimalist Persephone edition contrasted with the mid-20th centruy noir-ish edition from the now-defunct Guild Books.

Do you have a favourite short story? Let us know below, via our online form or in any Leeds Library.

Next week until 10 July, Armley Hub & Library are hosting a unique exhibition of paper bag portraits by Mik Artistik. Mik is a well-known musician, poet and artist who has been creating his distinctive portraits on brown paper bags since the 1980s.

“Back in January 1983, I drew my first paper bag portrait. I spotted these big brown bags on a bread shop counter and fell in love with them – their strength and their warmth. I decided everyone needed their own paper bag portrait, and I’d be the one to provide it."

Pop in and have a look during library opening hours! You can also listen to Mik revisit his career, show his bag portraits and talk about some amazing encounters on:

Wednesday 24 June at Headingley Hub & Library at 5.30-6.45pm and
Wednesday 1 July at Armley Hub & Library at 5.30-6.45pm.

"Bag" your free ticket here: https://www.ticketsource.com/leedslibraryevents

Check these out at Leeds Central Library! 👇

Theory Test Pro

Did you know that you get access to this highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for FREE with your Leeds Libraries membership? Spread the word!

Check it out here: https://leeds.theorytestpro.co.uk/students/new

Help us build a paper model of Leeds to celebrate Leeds 400!

You could be part of Compass Festival in November by helping us construct 2000 paper buildings! Local architects 3xa Design, Page Park, Bauman Lyons, Whitby Wood & KPP have designed paper models of Leeds houses, shops & iconic landmarks.

Come and sit with us, watch the replica city emerge, try your hand at some papercraft and learn more about the project at various libraries across Leeds. Find dates, times and locations here: https://leedsinspired.co.uk/events/ashes

Photography by Verity Hannaway-Mackay

🚨 Big news! 🚨

We are hard at work reshelving books in Central Library ready for the reopening of the ground floor lending department on 1 July.

Between 17-30 June we will be completing the move in, so the temporary lending library on the 2nd floor will also be closed.

We will still be running our reservations service, and a small browsable collection will remain in the beautiful Tiled Hall Cafe.

We can't wait to share our brand new lending library with you!

Don't miss a free day of family fun this Father's Day. There will be music, comedy, family dance sessions, toddler singalongs, inclusive sport and much more!

We'll be there for some hands on coding and tinkering to get involved with 🤖

You can book your tickets now at https://leedsdads.org/dadstastic2026/

21 June
11am-3pm
Millenium Square and City Museum

Reading doesn’t look the same for everyone. For fortnight we want to highlight all the ways you can read at Leeds Libraries if you have a visual impairment 👇

1️⃣ On Libby, you can borrow a huge range of eMagazines and eComics with adjustable fonts, colours and other accessibility features
2️⃣ Borrowbox allows you to borrow accessible eBooks as well as audiobooks to listen to wherever you are
3️⃣ If you prefer the feel of a physical book in your hands, we have a dedicated Large Print collection for you to browse and borrow

Libraries offer a range of free options to help you read in a way that suits your everyday life. If you want to learn more about making your devices accessible, head over to the Digital Library on our website to find out more: https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/digital-library

is for everyone, whatever you are reading and whoever you are reading with! This week we have a recommendation from Nicola, who enjoyed reading Adam Foreman's fab graphic novel Slice of Mallow with their 5-year old.

❓What's your favourite story to read aloud? Let us know below 👇

If you're a young carer or know anyone who is, reach out to family action for advice and support.

Did you know that 8th - 14th June is Carers Week?
The UK has an estimated 1 million young carers under the age of 18.
Every day they face challenges in their day to day lives whilst caring for family members.
REACH OUT and have a conversation.
Please see poster for contact details or scan the QR code