Temporary service closures at Central Library
In order to prepare for the opening of our new ground floor library space at Leeds Central Library, we will close the temporary Lending Library from 17 June. From 1 July, our fiction and non-fiction library collections for adults and teens will be available on the ground floor, as well as access to public PCs and printing.
The temporary Children’s Library on the 1st floor will remain open throughout, as will all other departments in Leeds Central Library. Our new children's library will open in autumn 2026.
You can still reserve books via our online catalogue and collect them from the ground floor during this time.
Our children's library and main lending library are currently in temporary locations, with smaller selections of books to browse and borrow. The children’s library is on the 1st floor, and the lending library is on the 2nd floor. If you need to use a computer, you can visit Merrion House, Kirkgate Market or find your nearest library here. You will still be able to reserve and collect books and you can print a PDF from a device.
Our Art, Music, Local and Family History and Business departments on floors 1 and 2 are not affected by this work and will remain open as normal.
The Tiny Totley has closed, but we are working in partnership with Yorkshire Contemporary and artists Joanne Tatham and Tom O'Sullivan to create a new artist-designed environment for children aged 0-11 and their families, integrating storytelling, shared reading, imaginative play and social interaction.
Opening hours
| Monday | 9am to 8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 8pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 5pm |
| Friday | 9am to 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am to 4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Available services
Central Library has a general lending section and a number of specialist departments:
Lending
On the ground floor you will find books including fiction, non-fiction, children’s young adults and graphic novels
You can come in, browse and:
- collect, renew or return a book
- use our computers
- visit the Tiled Hall Cafe
The Arts Floor
The Arts Floor is on the first floor of Central Library and includes the Music and Performing Arts Library, the Art Library, Studio12 and the exhibition space.
Heritage and Research
Local History Family History, Reference and general research resources are located on the second floor of the Central library.
Business and IP Centre
Located on the second floor, the Business and IP Centre has dedicated study space and access to a range of market research and company information databases. BIPC also provides free 1-to-1 support for new and established businesses. Get in touch to arrange an appointment.
Events
Come along to events in libraries for family fun, learning and culture.
Browse events at Central library.
Facilities
Facilities at the Central Library include:
- baby change units
- disabled access toilet
- public toilets
- free WiFi
- free computer access to the internet
- printing and photocopying
Access information
Bus routes
For information about local bus routes, please visit WY Metro external link.
Parking
There is no public car park. There are limited on street parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders only.
Entrances
You can enter the library from Victoria Gardens and Calverley Street. Wheelchair/pushchair access is through the Victoria Gardens basement entrance or the Art Gallery.
Lifts
Lift available to all floors.
Assistive technology
A range of assistive technology hardware and software is available for use on the public computers, including:
- screen magnifiers
- large keyboards, mouse and trackballs
Disabled toilets
Accessible toilets are located in the basement of the library.
Assistance dogs
All assistance dogs are welcome.
Contact us
Phone
0113 378 5005
Social media
Facebook: Leeds Libraries
Instagram: leedslibraries