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.

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.

Initially, I struggled to find this library. I was expecting a big modern sign pointing me in the…read moredirection of the Chapel Allerton library (as in Headingley) but could not see one anywhere so asked a little old lady to point me in the right direction. She pointed over to what I thought was the old police station, now a curry house. But I wandered over and there it was, hiding in its original form behind an old 'public library' sign that you can see in the photo. Thankfully it has not retained its old fashioned persona on the inside. The welcome sign is in seven languages, reminding me how multi-cultural this area is. It is a small, organised and quiet library, with neat displays of the latest fiction and lots of information about events going on in the community. There was a sign up advertising the library reading group and even a rack full of bus timetables. For me, this library is more manageable than the city library, which is so large one could get lost.

This cute little library is a great local amenity. It might not be the largest source of books in…read moreLeeds, it is of a modest size, but it is a great community resource and is perfectly situated in the centre of Chapel Allerton. They do more than just lend books, they occasionally hold community events, such as Irish dance workshops and bodhrán (which is an Irish drum) workshops for children, the elderly and anyone else who will join in. With this sort of cultural resource on offer to the community there is no where better to go and borrow a book - if you're lucky, there might be something more exciting going on too!

So the new library…read more... After a £9m investment by Lord Laidlaw himself this new library is a breath of fresh air. I visited both today and yesterday after vein officially opened to students and just wow! Open spaces, coffee shop inside, computers everywhere but also a modern feel. Having WiFi throughout and plug sockets at both tables and private booths the library really caters for the modern student and the new ways of collaboration and mobile personal devices everywhere. With over 6km of book shelving the new library will mainly catering for law students but will initially be home to the majority of books from the Eddy B library whilst it undergoes its two year refurbishment program. If you're around Leeds and fancy a coffee or a browse do take a look inside!

This is the second largest library in Leeds after the central one. The staff here are fab, very…read morehelpful, child friend and knowledgeable too. The library is due to close December 19 for refurbishment, opening again in April. There is a limited service for that time period but they're already stamping books with a return date for April, so you can borrow now and return when the library is spanking new. The old child section for books was brilliant, lovely board books at just the right height for my little one to peruse and select from. There are also a lot of really new books for children, which is great as you don't want to read something old, tatty and dog eared. The staff are also really understanding if you little monkey gets carried away and damages a book, as long as you're honest about it. Looking forward to the new opening, a new computer area is also promised so it should be much more up to date in there.

The art library is well stocked and a pleasant place to browse, with an adjacent room for private…read morestudy with free internet access. There is also an exhibition room just off the main room which has an eclectic collection that changes regularly. The library sells greetings cards and has regular art exhibits, giving it the feel of a gallery. Subjects covered by the library include glass, jewellery, furniture and ceramics as well as a large range of books on painting arranged by country. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful so if the size of the collection leaves you confused, just ask. The art library holds regular craft workshops - a lovely way to gather frequenters of the art library together for a creative sesh. On my last visit there were some impressive examples of quilting. It's great that art and design books get their own mini library, as it creates an inspiring space where like-minded individuals can browse and work together.

Set in the same stunning building as The Central Library built in the late 1800s waits a large…read moresection devoted to the arts. Being in this building is wonderful; massive, high ceilings, decorative flooring and wood paneled walls provides, for me, the perfect setting for acquiring more knowledge. 25,000 books on all areas of art and design are available for loan if you have a library card. This will also allow you to access the computers for free internet as well as access to all the online catalogues that the library subscribes to. Sometimes the library hosts workshops such as quilting. The library also boasts a large café at front, exhibitions to the right (as you are facing the building) and a much frequented permanent, outdoor chess-board at the entrance.

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.