How to support us

The Leeds Library is a member-led charity. As the oldest surviving independent library in the UK, we are deeply grateful for the continued support of our members and the generosity of those who donate. Your contributions ensure the library remains an important resource and a part of the Leeds community. These donations help us not only to maintain this historic institution, but to give our members the best possible experience. By continually extending and diversifying our collection of literature and offering an array of social events and member clubs, our vision is to be a thriving creative hub for the people of Leeds and beyond. In providing a space for the production, study and enjoyment of all forms of creativity, we open our doors and collections to as many people as possible. We truly appreciate your support in keeping this beloved resource alive and thriving.

You can donate to the Library via the following means:

• Where the need is greatest: this link will enable you to make an unrestricted contribution in support of The Leeds Library.
• Sponsor a box of books to return from storage. We still have over 1,400 boxes full of books trapped in storage, and each box costs £10 to retrieve. We would appreciate any donations that help us reclaim these books; please contact us or ask at the library counter for details if you’d like to help with this.
• Easyfundraising is a simple way to raise money for the library at no extra cost to you. When you shop online through the easyfundraising website or app, participating retailers make a donation to the cause you have chosen. You pay exactly the same price as normal, while the retailer provides the donation as a thank you for the referral. With thousands of retailers involved, everyday purchases such as groceries, travel bookings, insurance and gifts can all help generate free funding. Head to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ to register, and enter ‘The Leeds Library’ as your charitable cause.
• Membership. We do not want to default on our commitment to only increase membership fees by a set amount each year. However, some of you have kindly offered to pay more. If you are in a position to ‘top up’ your membership fees with an additional donation, please get in touch.
• You can protect your membership against inflation and provide the library with much-needed short-term income by paying your membership in advance by up to five years. All membership categories are eligible; please contact us and ask for our membership administrator if you are interested.
• Recruit a friend. Following members’ feedback, we have revised this offer and, upon recruitment, you and your friend can now choose from a list of benefits including drinks cards, members’ party tickets, and more. For more information please contact us and ask for our membership administrator.
• Secondary sales. Celebrate the library and help us spread the word with our lovely merchandise! Latest additions include coasters and bookmarks featuring a unique design by our trustee Holly based on the Minton tiles in our foyer.
• Buy a book for our collection. The library has partnered with the wonderful independent Truman Books to allow members and suporters to purchase books on the library’s behalf. Head to our page on Truman’s Books’ website.

Thank you for supporting The Leeds Library.