Welcome
Welcome to our January edition, which is packed with
news and activities to help you make the most of this fresh new year.
From news about our refurbished Music Library to an exciting new
storytelling festival, art workshops to digital support, there's something
for everyone!
If you're not already, make sure you're following us on
social media to get the latest news and see what we're up to. You can
also check out our What's On in Leeds Libraries page on Leeds Inspired for
more details.
Reopening of Leeds Music Library
We have some exciting news! Our newly refurbished Music
Library on the first floor of Leeds Central Library is now open, so
you can explore our new spaces, browse our extensive collection of
music books and even play our new piano!
The refurbishment was made possible through the generous
support of the Arts Council and is part of a larger initiative to
refurbish the entire Central Library.
You'll be hearing more about our fresh new Music Library
and our programme of events and workshops in future newsletters.
Leeds Storytelling Festival
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 Leeds Storytelling Festival is taking place from 13 Feb - 8 March.
The magic of storytelling unites cultures and
generations. And for three weeks, this brand new family festival
will illuminate our city.
From award-winning family theatre and acclaimed author
readings to costume-making workshops and a city-wide trail, this
truly is a festival for everyone.
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VR tour of Leeds Libraries
We are one of nine library services to take part in
Digital Spaces in association with Arts Council England, BFI and The
Space. This project will deliver a variety of digital experiences,
from awe-inspiring VR showcases and hands-on VR workshops to opportunities
to create new digital content.
There'll be a range of VR experiences to appeal to a
wide range of people, including:
- Wallace & Gromit
in the Grand Getaway: A narrative VR experience allowing fans
to join a new immersive adventure with much-loved animation
characters Wallace and Gromit.
- The Philharmonia's
Lark Ascending: A
spellbinding 360 performance by Philharmonia of Vaughan
Williams's beloved piece, featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: An immersive XR
experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust,
exploring England's northern landscape through the voices of
three women.
There's also funding and support to develop and create a
new digital project and we'll be letting you know about some
immersive film production workshops in community locations, delivered
by filmmakers Neon 8.
We want your old costumes for World Book Day!
Do you have a cupboard full of unloved, outgrown
children's fancy dress clothes? We are hoping to make World Book Day
more affordable and sustainable this year by hosting costume swaps in
some of our libraries. We are looking for donations of suitable fancy
dress costumes in good, clean condition.
Donations can be dropped off with staff at any of our
libraries.
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 Discover some of the most recommended new writers and
undiscovered novels of 2024 this January. They're available for you
to reserve here!
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Two-Day Crafters and Creators Workshop: Friday 11 and
Saturday 12 January
Our popular Creatives Workshop is back this January! If
you’re a crafter or creator planning to start or grow your business
in 2025, this is your chance to kickstart the year with valuable
support.
Over the course of two days, you’ll take part in
workshops covering a variety of essential topics, including pricing
your products, building your digital presence, developing your brand
and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain skills, knowledge, and
confidence for your creative business journey.
Find out more and reserve your place via our Eventbrite page.
Please note: This is a specialist programme funded by
the UK Government.
Last month we put up a notice board in Central Library
asking our customers about their favourite "feelgood"
books. Here in this dark and cold month we thought we’d share some of
the suggestions with you:
- The Hitchhikers Guide
to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
- My Family and Other
Animals (The Corfu Trilogy) by Gerald Durrell
- My Brilliant Friend
by Elena Ferrante
- The Moomins by Tove
Jansson
- House on Cerulean Sea
by T J Klune
- Spark Joy by Marie
Kondo
- Cider with Rosie by
Laurie Lee
- You are Here by David
Nicholls
- The Switch by Beth
O‘Leary
- All the works of
Terry Pratchett (lots of people suggested Terry)
- Rosie Project by
Graeme Simsion
- A Thousand Feasts by
Nigel Slater
- Goldfinch by Donna
Tartt
You can reserve all of these books to
collect at your local library.
Digital Drop-Ins
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 Need help to use your tablet, smartphone or computer
to try something new, say hello or get tech savvy?
Come along with your device or use a library PC and
talk to our friendly librarians who will help you get started.
Learn how your device can help you improve your
health, access library services to read eBooks and magazines online
and even save you money.
Free events, no booking necessary. Find more info and your nearest drop-in
here.
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Spring courses at the Art Library
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 Life Drawing 4 week course with model
Mondays: 3 March, 10 March, 17 March and 24 March.
Venture into life drawing in this relaxed, supportive
four-week course taught by artist and tutor Paul Digby.
You'll explore figure drawing including line, gesture and shade to
develop your own artistic style.
Tickets £10, book here.
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Botanical Art: Learn Watercolour
Painting with Monair Hyman
Saturday 22 March 12.30-3.30pm
Gently but expertly guided by Monair, you will use
observations from life and examples in our Art Library books and
Special Collections to produce botanical drawings. You'll learn
colour mixing and transfer all your ideas to a final piece using
Winsor and Newton watercolour paints.
All materials are included and the paint palette will be
yours to take home. Open to all abilities, ages 14+
Tickets £37, book here.
Across the city
Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair returns to first
direct arena Leeds on Wednesday 12 February. Free tickets are
available to book between 1pm-7pm.
You’ll have the chance to talk to major employers from a
wide range of sectors, including accounting, business and
administration, catering and hospitality, construction, creative
design, care services, digital, education, engineering, finance, hair
and beauty, health, law, protective services and many more.
Over 100 exhibitors will be there on the day offering
information, advice, guidance and live vacancies. You’ll have the
opportunity to find out about apprenticeships, including what they
involve and how they work, as well as higher and degree apprenticeships.
Free tickets can be booked here. If you have any
questions please email esemployers@leeds.gov.uk
Find out more
Did you know we have two further library newsletters,
where you can find out more about family friendly activities, local
history and books and reading? Sign up here:
Thank you for reading our latest
newsletter. We look forward to welcoming you soon - get in touch or find your
local library
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