A lovely library on 2 floors. It's recently been refurbished & has a drinks machine, computers with…read morefree net access, magazines & friendly staff. There's a pre school story time every Wednesday morning in term time & PAWS craft every other Monday.

Libraries are one of those things in life that tend to get over looked. Ok so its less of a…read moreshopping high than buying shoes for example, but I always get such a trill from a really good book. I can get lost in a book for days, if anybody tries to talk to me while I am reading all they will get out of me is a glare, I should wear a do not disturb sign. The fact that you have to give them back after you have read them doesn't matter as you just go and pick up a new one. Set in a lovely building it has that musty smell that all good libraries do, a mixture of dust and knowledge. I have been going here for months and there are still many titles that I am planning to read. They also have a great service where you can renew you books over the phone; you may never need to pay a fine again. Libraries are also the hub of any community and a really good start for getting involved with the people around you.

Excellent facility Helpful staffread more

From the owner: We are a volunteer-run library and information service offering more than just books including…read morecomputers, wifi, classes/groups, drinks, toilet, photocopying.

Being a brand new building it is such a shame the council couldn't have been more inventive or at…read moreleast sympathetic in the criteria of design for this building. Other parts of Garforth main street are beautifully old, many shop fronts still having single paned windows dripping with condensation. A good point to the design is that there is a 'geenroof' good for rainwater runoff collection, energy efficiency and reducing air particulates and solar panels for hot water heating too, though how much hot water would be needed in a library is questionable. The library space has been extended and 'The One Stop Centre' is housed inside too for housing, social services and council tax help can be found.

Spengo2 you need to change you name it's rubbish…read more There is a limited choice but the place is fresh and inviting.

This used to be my local Library and I was pleased with what was on offer. They have a great…read moreselection of kids books as well as holding story time sessions for the little ones too. During the school holidays they also have colouring and drawing competitions for the kids too. Also free access to the internet with plently of computers which can be booked. Also you can pick up the local free paper and lots of leaflets and posters to find out whats going on in the local area too. Also you can pick up a Leeds card from Compton road too and get great discounts like free entry to tropical world.

I refuse to pretend that I have any knowledge whatsoever about the game of chess. I once watched a…read moredocumentary 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.

Ok, I love a good library, so I'm already biased. Really, this isn't quite what I'd count as a…read more"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 cafe 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.