- Can anyone join The Leeds Library?
Yes. We welcome all applications of membership. Once you have been invited to join you just need to bring two forms of ID, a list of which is on the reverse of the application form.
- Is there a waiting list?
No; the Library welcomes all applications for membership.
- Is the Library a club?
No; it is not necessary to be 'proposed' by a current member.
- Is the Library's stock on open access?
The vast majority of the stock is on open shelves to which members have free access; a number of rarer or more fragile items are available only on request.
- Can books be borrowed?
Most Library materials published after 1901 may be borrowed.
- How many books can be borrowed?
Individual and Young Person members have an allowance of 30 items and adult family members have an allowance of 20 items each that can be made up of the following: up to 10 in demand books, 10 in demand periodicals and 10 in demand audio visual items at any one time. Child family members have an allowance of 5 items each that can be made up of the following: up to 5 in demand books, 2 in demand periodicals and 2 in demand audio visual items at any one time.
- How long can books be borrowed for?
In demand books, periodicals and audio visual items may be borrowed for up to three weeks. Each member is entitled to borrow up to 10 in demand items at a time. White label books, periodicals and other items published after 1900 may be borrowed for up to twelve weeks. Each member is entitled to borrow up to 10 white label items at a time.
- Is it possible to visit the Library before joining?
Yes; prospective members are always welcome to come to visit the library to view the facilities. Simply contact us to make an appointment.
- What rates of membership do you have?
We have 3 different rates of membership: Individual which allows one person to borrow and is currently £75 a year, Family which allows one adult and their spouse plus up to two children under the age of 18 still living at home or in full time eduation and is currently £100 a year. Young Person's membership currently allows one person under the age of 26 to join for £25 a year. If you are interested in purchasing a membership as a gift for someone please indicate this on the application form.
- Can laptop computers be used at the Library?
Yes; members may bring personal laptops in to the Library and may be used in the New Room. After an Internet usage policy has been signed you will be issued with a password.
- Is there Internet access at the Library?
Yes; there is current one terminal available in the Main Room for members to use; wireless access is also available for those who have a laptop with wireless capability. An Internet usage policy has to be signed prior to using the terminal or wireless in the Library.
- Are electronic publications available?
Not currently.
- Is it possible to consult the Library's catalogues online?
The catalogue of all materials acquired since 1998 is available for consultation via this website. Details of the older parts of the collection are constantly being added to the online catalogue. For full coverage of pre-1950 acquisitions it is necessary to consult the card catalogue in the Library.
- How many books does the Library have?
We estimate that we have 143,000 books but until we retrospectively catalogue the rest of the collection we can only estimate. The book stock is split between the Commercial Street premises, Squirrel Storage, Holy Trinity Church and Mill Hill Chapel.
- Does the Library still acquire new books?
Yes; approximately 1,400 volumes are added to the Library each year across all of the subject areas of the collections (see above). Members are invited to make suggestions for books to be acquired by the Library.
- Does the Library hold periodicals?
The Library maintains current subscriptions to approximately 86 periodicals and also holds collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century journals and magazines. Most back numbers of periodicals - excluding the most recent issues - are available for loan.
- How can I apply for annual membership?
Application forms are available on this website in the Membership section or from the Library. Applications for annual membership should be submitted in advance. The entire process currently takes about 1-2 weeks.
- Is there a shorter type of membership?
No , but you can apply to use the library as a researcher without joining. Details of which are in the Membership section of this website.
- Can annual membership be taken out on the spot?
No; all applications for annual membership should be submitted in advance. Once the application has been processed we will write and invite you to come in and join and pay the first year's subscription.
- Is it possible to give someone membership of the Library?
Yes; each application form has a section that can be filled out by the person wishing to give the gift, but the recipient can sign the application on their first visit to the Library so that the gift can be a surprise.
- How can I pay my subscription?
The first year's payment can be made by cash or cheque. After the first year of membership payment is normally made by direct debit in annual monthly instalments.
- Are refreshments available at the Library?
Yes; we have a dedicated coffee corner in our Main Room where members can bring cold food to eat. We have facilities for making tea and coffee for a small charge and free cold water. We don’t allow food or drink to be consumed anywhere else in the library.
- Can I wear my coat and bring my bag into the library?
No; coats need to be removed and can be hung on hooks outside the Main Room and downstairs in the foyer. Small (up to A4 in size) handbags are allowed but anything larger in size needs to be placed in a locker in the foyer. Anything needed from your bag can be decanted into the clear plastic bags that are available on the table in the foyer.
