“To enter The Leeds Library is to reconnect to my home city, and to revel in the experience of being surrounded by the world of books.” – Caryl Phillips, author and patron of The Leeds Library.
Why join?
Joining the Leeds Library gives you full access to our growing collection of over 140,000 historic and contemporary books, as well as daily newspapers, comics, CDs and DVDs, and over 50 magazines. We have no fines, generous borrowing periods, complimentary Wi-Fi, and many comfortable spaces to sit and read, work, or just relax. Our unique collection grows through member recommendation – all our books have been requested by members and staff. But joining the library does not give you access to just our collection and building alone: you’ll also be a member of a vibrant community that hosts talks, events, and several members’ clubs. We are open to people of all ages, and our friendly staff are always happy to help.
Types of Membership
We offer the membership categories listed below. If you have any questions about membership, please call us on 0113 245 3071 or Contact Us.
Individual Membership – intended for one named adult (aged 16+). This allows you to borrow up to 30 items at any one time and grants you access to all our services and facilities. £15.65 per month, or £187.80 a year.
Household Membership – intended for any number of adults and children under 18 who live at the same address. Household adults can borrow up to 20 items at any one time, and children may borrow up to 5. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when using the library. £23.50 per month, or £282 a year.
Concessionary Membership – intended for young people under the age of 25, full-time students, and adults aged 26 and over who are in receipt of income-related benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc). Concessionary members may borrow up to 15 items at any one time. £7.55 per month, or £90.60 a year.
Access Membership – intended for people who wish to use the library as a workspace or as a place of peace and quiet in the busy city centre. You will have access to our building, member events, and our online services but may not withdraw any books. £10.50 per month, or £126 a year.
Taster Membership – intended for people who would like to use the library without committing to a full year’s membership, taster memberships are valid for one month from the time of purchase. You may not withdraw books from the premises but will have full access to our building and its facilities. £20 per calendar month.
How to join
We’ve made our sign-up process as simple as possible. You can either join online or visit in-person and fill out a physical application form. Please be aware that we will need to see two forms of ID to complete your application; a photo ID such as a driving licence or passport is preferable but not strictly necessary. If you do not possess these something with your signature on it and proof of your address, such as a bank statement, is acceptable. If you join online, please bring your ID with you on your first visit.
Buying as a gift
Want to give the gift of membership? All our membership categories can be purchased as gifts. Please click here to learn more.
FAQs
Are there places where I can store my belongings while I use the library?
Yes. We have lockers in the main entrance foyer that are protected by a security keypad; please ask at the counter for the code. There is also a coat rail on the first floor which members are welcome to use. You can keep your belongings with you when you are using the library if you prefer.
Are refreshments available at the library?
Yes. We have a dedicated coffee corner with facilities for making tea, coffee and cordial for a small charge (usually £1 per hot drink). We also have a selection of biscuits, snacks (including vegan and gluten free) and soft drinks available in the same location. Drinks can be consumed in most of our spaces, but food must be eaten in the Main Room only.
Can I bring visitors into the library?
If you are a member and would like to show family or friends around the library you are more than welcome to do so, but please be aware that they must be a member themselves to use the building; this includes sitting and studying with you, using coffee corner, or the library collections. We have a special visitor book that you can sign them into in the Main Room, by the spiral staircase.
Can I visit the library before joining?
Yes. We run regular tours throughout the month which can be booked on our events page here. Otherwise, you can visit independently between the hours of 13:00-15:00 Monday-Friday and 17:00-19:00 on Thursdays for a short self-guided tour.
Can mobile devices be used at the library?
Members are welcome to bring their personal laptops, tablets, and phones into the library, as long as the device is kept on silent while on the premises. Online meetings are not permitted in the library, but you may take phone calls in our foyer and our roof garden.
How are we funded?
We are an independent library and receive no funding from the government. Instead, our running costs are covered by the sale of memberships, the rent from our ground floor tenants, the events we host, retail, and charitable donations.
How can I pay my membership?
Payment can be made in person in the library, over the telephone, or on our website through the join online function. We accept cash, credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal and Direct Debit payments.
How is the library managed?
We are a charity managed by a voluntary board of trustees and staffed by a small, professional team.
Is the library wheelchair accessible?
Mostly. We have a secondary lift entrance for use by wheelchair users and people with mobility issues, but some parts of our building, such as the galleries, remain inaccessible.
Who can use the library?
Non-members are welcome at most of our events, but actual use of the library building (including its seating, workspaces, computers etc.) is reserved for members only.
