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.

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!

Not nearly as grand as its bigger, cooler brother, the Leeds Central Library, the Burley Library…read moresimilarly lacks any of the special touches that make it more than just a place to get books. There are no special events, no huge collections of DVDs and CDs and no trendy rooms filled with computers and graphic novels aimed at bringing in the younger generation. What there is, however, is books; thousands of them, mostly fiction, all arranged in a chaotic fashion which makes little sense but makes browsing interesting. Because they're not distracted by hosting launches or teaching web design, the staff here seem to actually know a fair bit about books, too. The choice isn't as large as at some other libraries, but it's a handy resource for those who live nearby and don't want to trek into town.

Poor Burley Library. It's covered in graffiti, and stuck next to a dilapidated old warehouse, also…read morecovered in graffiti, and it doesn't open until 11am or something, so nobody ever goes there. The sad thing is, the building is beautiful. All polished dark wood and high ceilings, but the weird entry system does my nut in. Do I go in the left or right? Why is that woman not letting me get past? Do I have to get my hand stamped or something? Not a great selection of books, although I was after a Paul McKenna self-help one once (yup, it's true), and Headingley didn't have it but this one did. I couldn't find it when I got there, like, because the layout doesn't make sense, and there were four scratty looking kids chucking pens all over the floor. I know it's not a great library, but the staff could do with a bit of cheering up. I mentioned that I was glad they don't have that new scanny self-issue machine like at Headingley, and the guy said 'No , we'll prolly be getting closed down anyway' all sad like. Maybe do something productive to make the library nicer, eh? Then people would come! And get some books! Rant over.

There's not too much you can say about local libraries, if you want more up-to-date or detail…read moreinformation generally you have to order from the main library in the town centre. The reason I have chosen this library to write about is because of the architecture. The stone carvings around the outside staircase are breathtakingly ornate and in good condition. They contain mythical gargoyle/falcon type creatures breathing reams of material which link the archways. There are some really ugly buildings in Armley but like this library there are also some beautiful ones, the prison is another example.

exactly what it says , a one stop center for lots of different things…read moreincluding: Registrar - For registration of births and deaths. To make an appointment please telephone 0113 2224408 Library - A new library with free access to computers and the internet as well as a wide variety of books, story tapes and talking books and a brand new children's library. Telephone 0113 395 1010. See the link to Armley library for more details. Welfare Rights - Advice surgeries for people needing help and advice with welfare benefits and rights. Surgeries are held on Fridays from 10am - 12.30pm and alternate Wednesdays from 10am - 12.30pm. Surgeries are by appointment only so please telephone 0113 214 9006 or ask a member of staff at the centre to book you an appointment. Credit Union - The Leeds City Credit Union is an organisation that provides straightforward, affordable financial services to a growing number of people in Leeds. Credit Union staff are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm. Wednesday 8.30am - 3pm. Victim Support - you can book an appointment by telephoning 0113 395 1260 for support and advice if you have been the victim of a crime. also based their is the armley branch of wnwhl ( armley housing office) lovley , clean, warm , freindly environment with clean public toilets has great disabled facilities & a lift

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.

They have books (well if course they do), they have cheap beverages and they have a small but…read moreobviously dedicated staff team who are, so far, unfailingly pleasant and patient and have knowledge almost literally seeping from their very pores. Impressed? Well yes, I am. I love books and anyone or any place that so obviously cared for them will always have my respect and support. The Leeds Library is a subscription library ( the oldest in the Uk) and I have a very strong feeling that it will be here long after most other libraries have crumbled under political disinterest.

A truly beautiful building, with the recent addition of a swanky cafe/shop at the front, where…read morethere used to be exhibitions that nobody looked at much, which is nice. Very cosmopolitan. I like the layout, and the wide selection of books, and that I can still take any I get out from here back to Headingley or another one if it's easier. The one thing I don't like about this library so much is the staff. The lady down in the kids section is friendly (I got an Asterix book out for nostalgic reasons), but the people in the adult section, especially the old lady and the man with the beard, are a bit grumpy and snooty, and I feel like I have to ask their permission to take books out, in case they don't approve. Feels a little bit cliquey, if a library can feel cliquey. Well, I just said it does, so it does (in my opinion, of course).

It's hard to even pay any attention to your food and drink, really, in the tiled hall. The…read moresurroundings are so beautiful and strange that they consume all your attention. The strangeness is due in large part to the huge marble heads that stare blindly down at you from the elaborately modelled cornices. To be frank, they're actually a little bit eerie, but in a pleasant, shiver-down-the-neck way. It's amazing to think that this gorgeous room had been forgotten about and covered up until relatively recently. We had americanos and lemon poppy seed cake on our visit (since I suppose we must pay some attention to the comestibles). The coffee was strong and good, the cake rather dry and heavy with an oddly medicinal taste. (In fairness I must say my companion loved it). But in any case, a fascinating visit, irrespective of the food.