Another page turns for Leeds Libraries’ #whatsyourstory campaign

A full-time mum is set to take centre-stage as a popular campaign showcasing the delights of libraries across Leeds prepares to turn a new page in 2017.

Since its debut in 2015, #whatsyourstory has proved to be a big hit by using the experiences of people from different backgrounds and ages who use their local libraries to demonstrate the varied and exciting range of activities, events and opportunities on offer at their local library. Those featured in previous years to help recruit and inspire a new generation of library lovers included young writer Ma Maposa, Wayne Levitt, who traced his family tree, grandmother Jean Murgatroyd and inventor, Bill Hyland.

Featuring in the latest chapter of #whatsyourstory is mum of three Kim Wood, who discovered her local library after moving to Leeds seven years ago. With her husband working long hours, and feeling isolated, Kim decided to seek out her nearest library, which turned out to be Oakwood. It quickly proved to be a real lifeline for her and her three daughters. The girls soon realised how much fun they could have in the library with everything from free access to online eMagazines and books to explore and story-times to tea-parties and food festivals. Kim also appreciated the opportunity to meet new people from her local area and now very much feels part of the community. To find out more about Kim’s story, please visit www.leeds.gov.uk/whatsyourstory or hear about it in Kim’s own words at http://bit.ly/kimlib

If you have a story of how your local library has inspired a change of direction, or provided the tools to learn a new skill or activity, get in touch by via Twitter @leedslibraries using the hashtag #whatsyourstory or writing on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leedslibraries

To find out more about #whatsyourstory, and to read how other library users like Kim have used the services on offer, please see: www.leeds.gov.uk/whatsyourstory

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said:

“The #whatsyourstory campaign has proved to be a great success since its launch in 2015, and we are delighted that mum of three Kim has kindly agreed to take part in this year’s new chapter and share her own experiences of how one of our libraries played such an important part in helping her family settle in to life in Leeds.

“Our libraries across the city provide an invaluable service for residents, not only because of their fantastic wide-ranging resources, but also the intangible benefits they provide such as friendship which was one of Kim’s key motivations for joining her local library.

“I’m so pleased that the #whatsyourstory campaign is able to demonstrate the diverse range of services Leeds Libraries offer both around the city and online, particularly through real-life case studies like Kim’s.”

Kim Wood whose children are Sophie (8), Chloe (6) and Phoebe (4), said:

“The girls are total bookworms and they love nothing more than coming to the library to read and explore new books – and then taking them home to read. I love the variety of events happening at the library and the chance to meet other parents and have some grown-up conversations!”

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries, please contact;

Jo Lepelley, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 22 43112

Email: Joanna.lepelley@leeds.gov.uk