Leeds Library
Encyclopedia
The Leeds Library is the oldest surviving subscription library
in the UK. It was founded in 1768 following an advertisement placed in the Leeds Intelligencer
earlier that year. The first secretary was Joseph Priestley
. The library moved several time in its early years before settling in the purpose built premises on Commercial Street, Leeds
on 4 July 1808. This building is a grade II* listed Greek Revival building by Thomas Johnson
with major 1880-81 extension to the rear by Thomas Ambler
.
the library has over 800 members who pay an annual subscription. The library is estimated to have a stock of over 140 000 titles. It also contains more modern items such as audiobooks and DVDs. The library's extensive collection is frequently used by researchers who are not members.
The library holdings also incorporate the stock of the short lived Leeds Foreign Library. The Foreign Library was founded in 1778 and incorporated into the Leeds Library in 1814.
Subscription library
A subscription library is a library that is financed by private funds either from membership fees or endowments...
in the UK. It was founded in 1768 following an advertisement placed in the Leeds Intelligencer
Leeds Intelligencer
The Leeds Intelligencer or Leedes Intelligencer was a newspaper in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, founded in 1754. It was a weekly paper until it was renamed and became the daily Yorkshire Post, first published on Monday 2 July 1866....
earlier that year. The first secretary was Joseph Priestley
Joseph Priestley
Joseph Priestley, FRS was an 18th-century English theologian, Dissenting clergyman, natural philosopher, chemist, educator, and political theorist who published over 150 works...
. The library moved several time in its early years before settling in the purpose built premises on Commercial Street, Leeds
Commercial Street, Leeds
Commercial Street is a pedestrianised shopping street in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Most retail on this street is mainly to retailers which use smaller premises such as jewellery, shoe and mobile phone stores however there are some parts of Commercial Street where larger stores are based. The...
on 4 July 1808. This building is a grade II* listed Greek Revival building by Thomas Johnson
Thomas Johnson (architect)
Thomas Johnson was a British architect who designed the 1808 building for the Leeds Library in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. He built William Hey's house at 1, Albion Place, Leeds, and Holy Trinity Church, Halifax. It is possible that he also worked on the redesign of the south west section of...
with major 1880-81 extension to the rear by Thomas Ambler
Thomas Ambler
Thomas Ambler was an English architect, living and working in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Among his surviving works are Grade II listed buildings on the south side of Boar Lane, St James's Hall in New York Street, and the Grade II* listed Moorish factory of St Paul's House in Park Square,...
.
the library has over 800 members who pay an annual subscription. The library is estimated to have a stock of over 140 000 titles. It also contains more modern items such as audiobooks and DVDs. The library's extensive collection is frequently used by researchers who are not members.
The library holdings also incorporate the stock of the short lived Leeds Foreign Library. The Foreign Library was founded in 1778 and incorporated into the Leeds Library in 1814.
External links
- Official website
- Facebook page
- Twitter page
- Association of Independent Libraries directory entry
- The Leeds Library, Registered Charity no. 1114386 at the Charity CommissionCharity CommissionThe Charity Commission for England and Wales is the non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities in England and Wales....