Along with discovering independent bookshops, what about discovering the independent libraries, with the oldest one being located in the City of Leeds and is over 250 years old.
Images above credit@IndependentLibraries
In a digital world, it is impossible to find a place that houses books that are falling apart, alongside shiny new novels. The Leeds Library is the exception.
The opening of the Leeds Library dates back to the 18th century. English Separatist theologian Joseph Priestley, widely known for the discovery of oxygen and 9 other gases was its founder and the library’s first secretary.
Since 1768 (it’s official opening year), the library has been relocated several times, until 1808 where it set up camp in the middle of Leeds Town Centre on Commercial Street.
Like the founder’s legacy, the library has become renowned through the years, the library has a very traditional feel, with homage paid to its literary heritage through the Greek revivalist architecture.
The library now is home to over 140,000 titles and periodicals, ranging from modern novels, children’s books, civil war pamphlets and reformation tracts. Every year this number is increased, with many new titles being added, through either recommendation, informed demand, or through donations. Many members often donate their own books to the library, increasing the richness of the collection.
Despite being located in a busy town centre, many walk by the library without knowing that it exists. This is due largely to the entrance being almost invisible, and with independent libraries becoming increasingly rare.
This one managed to survive however by being surrounded by additional income, rather than just subscriptions (paid membership), and from selling some of its most valuable titles.
Whilst the library itself is over 250 years old, the books housed there are even older, with the oldest being “Travels to the Holy Land”, by Sir John de Mandeville, first published in 1494.
The library hosts many events, both for members and the public, and every so often they give tours of the library, specifically the secret passages and rooms.
Despite these hardships, the library is still going strong, with members being passionate about wanting to support the library and keep it going.
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