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.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

11am - 12pm

Saturday 13 September:

11am - 12pm, 2pm - 3pm

Monday 15 September:

11am - 12pm

Tuesday 16 September:

11am - 12pm

Wednesday 17 September:

11am - 12pm

Thursday 18 September:

11am - 12pm

Friday 19 September:

11am - 12pm

Location & directions

18 Commercial Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AL

Directions:

You can find The Leeds Library next door to the Co-op Bank on Commercial Street. Look out for our 'Word of the Day' stand!

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Free tickets must be reserved online in order to attend.

Booking contact name:

Ian Harker

Booking telephone number:

+441132453071

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://collections.humanitix.com/heritage-open-days-2025

Booking opens:

02 Jun 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

12 Sep 2025 11:00 AM

Accessibility details

Level access is via our entrance at 18, Commercial Street (next door to Cinnabon). All rooms on the first floor have level access (including bathrooms). The basement and galleries do not have level access.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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