Libraries in Leeds Festival
Over the past twelve months members of the Libraries in Leeds network have been quietly supporting each other, sharing best practice and professional knowledge.
This autumn is the first public Libraries in Leeds Festival.
Everyone is warmly invited to learn, be inspired, get creative and have their say about the future of the public libraries in their city.
Not only is the purpose of the festival to raise awareness about the rich collection of resources that are based in Leeds, but the hope is also that local people will understand that the libraries are theirs to enjoy visiting and using. The Libraries in Leeds website highlights each member’s opening hours, visiting policy, contact details, location and a brief description of their offers.
With distinguished guests such as Sue Williamson MBE, former director of libraries at Arts Council England exploring The Role of Public Libraries: Past, Present and Future; Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford introducing her latest book Books as Portable Magic; and Dr Nick Barratt, genealogist and consultant researcher to the popular BBC series “Who Do You Think You Are?” presenting Family History in the 21st Century, the talks programme is entertaining, relevant and informative.
Chief Knowledge Officer for NHS Knowledge and Library Services and Chair of the CILIP Board of Trustees Sue Lacey Bryant will be discussing how to the access reliable health information and highlighting the dangers of misinformation in Finding Information About Health. Also taking place on Wednesday 6th September will be a talk on the University of Leeds designated Cookery Collection, supplemented by a Cheese and Drinks Social reception near to the current exhibition “Becoming the Brontës,” which will also be open to visitors.
From Monday 4th to Friday 8th September various libraries are offering a number of Backstage Tours, where people can get a sense of a librarian’s working life at some of the city’s libraries and archives. And the launch of a unique exhibition will enable some of the city’s treasures to be viewed side by side in digital collection for the first time.
Saturday 9th September is the Family Day at Leeds Central Library with a range of drop-in activities at the Central Library including the special screening of “I Believe in Unicorns”, a stage performance by Danyah Miller of Michael Morpurgo’s much loved story that celebrates the power of books and the sanctuary of libraries. Meanwhile at the Creatorspace at the University of Leeds families can sign up to a two-hour Get Creative session and enjoy seeing their ideas become reality.
The festival events are either free or listed on Eventbrite as ‘Pay What You Decide’ to encourage maximum accessibility for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to reserve a place as capacity is limited. Whilst people are welcome to ‘drop-in’ to events, ticket holders will be given priority.
We look forward to welcoming you to what we hope will be the first of many Libraries in Leeds festivals, and thank everyone who is helping to spread the word about our first.