Heritage Open Day tour of The Leeds Library

The Leeds Library is delighted to offer free tours giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s oldest-surviving buildings and its treasure-trove of rare books.

The Leeds Library is the oldest independent members’ subscription library in the UK. Founded in 1768, the library moved to Commercial Street in 1808, and many original features are to be discovered in its much-loved home.

From the Georgian splendour of the Main Room, with its sunlight burners, to the labyrinthine basement deep under the streets of Leeds, there is an unexpected treasure around every corner. And you never know, you may even meet the Library’s ghost… Booking is essential.

The library will also be open to the public on Friday 12th, Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th, and Friday 19th September for short, self-guided tours between 1pm and 3pm, for which no booking is required.

Following a £2.3million investment in a next-door extension, the Leeds Library is now accessible. Anyone requiring level access may use the buzzer at our entrance next door to Cinnabon on Commercial Street. This provides access to a lift to all floors.