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.

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!

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.

Headingley Library is a great established in this buzzing little community. With great…read moreestablishments like this Headingley truly does seem to operate as an almost independent mini city in its own right - you can hardly want for anything - with all the cafes, restaurants, shops, grocers and even a library. The library is central and situated within the heart of Headingley, so it's really easy to find. The books there are plentiful, although it's not quite as big as the central library in Leeds, you shouldn't struggle too much in finding what you want - certainly if you're browsing for pleasure there is a huge amount to choose from. They also have great local community boards and so it's well worth nipping in just to see what events and offerings are going on near by! A brilliant and essential part of Headingley life. Fab!

I like Headingley library, despite its 1960s drab exterior. The staff are helpful and don't mind…read morethat I get scared when I use the fancy new scanning machines that seem never to work properly on my books. There's a relatively large PC area where people can use the internet or do work and print stuff out (I think it's 40p for the first page and then I can't remember what it is after that). There's also a great selection of fictional novels, but the horror and sci fi are pretty small. Also there's quite a lot of books about cowboys, which I don't get Lots of new DVDs to rent for a week at a time, plus CDs for those that still use them. My best library. Apart from the one in town, which is prettier. But I still like this one. It's my best.

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.

recently moved. i wasnt fond of the old one. but the new one is pretty swanky.. can be a little…read morerude in there.. but its very convieniant and has all the facilities a libry should have.

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

This library built me. Made me the person I am. I remember coming here after school everyday after…read moregetting dropped off by the 621 bus. Coming from Nabwood Grammar. A great large iconic building with so many floors and resources, this was a real library. All kinds of colourful characters would visit. Students, professors, retirees, vagrants, and families would be here. The ground floor inremmebr where people would scavenge for the daily newspapers. And all fiction books where I would get my first taste of Stephen King. Can tee had homemade sandwiches plus snacks and jacket potatoes were good and affordable. But the 5th floor was my spot. The reference floor where students would come and study. With its large tall windows bringing great light into the building and vast views of Bradford City. Such a shame this building is no more. I don't live in Bradford anymore but memories still linger and there will always be a special place of this library in my heart.

Bradford's main library isn't exactly entirely trad: walk into the reception seating 'n' eating…read morearea and you might think it's a social club - packed, chatty and really a little noisy, somewhat short of becardiganed ladies in flyaway spectacles saying 'Shhh!'. But its facilities are pretty cool: all your fiction, reference and research needs are catered to. There are regular library sales which are both cheap and eclectic, great for picking up some intriguing vintage bargains (that look cool on your Ikea bookshelves). Multiple floors, decent loos, nice and warm in winter and a ton of info available on local news and events, a good children's section and that great retro 70s architecture. Pretty damn good if you ask me.