1880 to date - Staying put!
Instead of removing or combining with another institution, the Leeds Library employed another renowned Leeds architect, Thomas Ambler, to design the New Room extension of 1880-1881. This was made possible by the demolition of the back warehouse purchased in 1808 and rebuilt in the 1820s. This warehouse had been the home of the printing presses of the Leeds Intelligencer newspaper from 1822 until its amalgamation with the Yorkshire Post at the end of 1865. The New Room scheme extended the library at first floor level and the shops at ground floor level. The library’s entrance was moved to the central arch allowing a grander approach to the Main Room which was also altered with a new doorway, screen and counter. Shortage of space once again led to the introduction of a cast iron gallery to the New Room in 1900-1901. This was manufactured by James Allan & Son of Glasgow; the architects on this occasion were Chorley, Connon and Chorley.
