Picture caption (top) - Leeds Central Library is hosting a number of events as part of the city's library festival.
Picture caption (bottom) - A range of fantastic activities for young people will be available at libraries across the city during the festival.
A fantastic festival celebrating the magic of libraries in Leeds is set to open this week.
In what promises to be a week not to be missed, a diverse range of activities and events for all ages to enjoy are set to be held at Leeds City Council libraries across the city from Saturday 14 February 2015 – Sunday 22 February 2015 as part of the first city-wide library festival. On offer will be storytelling, films, talks, live music, crafting, heritage tours, gaming and the chance to find out more about rare books and maps which the city’s libraries has in its collection.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills said:
"We are very excited to be hosting our very first city-wide Library Festival in Leeds which really does promise to be something special.
"A range of diverse and interesting activities and events will be on offer which people of all ages can take part in and enjoy. Some of our programmed events do need to be booked, so if you are interested in attending, please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."
Featuring in the packed programme includes an opportunity on 14 February from 1-3pm, to join children’s author Holly Webb at Leeds Central Library as part of a family-fun event based on her hugely popular animal stories. A Family Fun Club will also be held at Beeston Library on Sunday 15 February from 12-1pm, which will offer activities including stories, rhymes, toys, colouring and crafts.
Comic enthusiasts can also indulge their passion for their favourite heroes in a special Comic Club at Bramley Library on Monday 16 January from 5.30-pm-6.30pm. Come along and show off your artwork, and have a chat with other comic book lovers.
Minecraft has captured the imagination of youngsters around the world, and on Tuesday 17 February from 2pm-4pm at Hunslet Library, why not come along with your friends and create your own world using Minecraft Lego? Places are limited, so please book your place as soon as possible. Also available on the 17 February is a very special event which will see the delights of Harry Potter and Hogwarts arrive at Leeds Central Library from 1pm-4pm. Take a trip around the historical library, explore its creepy corridors, learn how to brew potions and play Quidditch with some very special guests. Tickets are priced at £3 for children, £5 for adults and £10 per family of four. To book tickets, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents.
Craig Worrall from Edible Leeds will also be talking at Headingley Library from 6.30pm – 7.30pm on 17 February about the food that can be harvested for free from our local environment, where you can also sample some of the recipes. No booking is required, but please arrive early to avoid disappointment. What happens when the circus comes to town? Local author Steve Ward will be appearing at Kippax Library at 2pm on Wednesday 18 February to talk about his latest book, ‘Beneath the Big Top’. Steve will also speak about the history of the circus, as well as circus tales from Leeds.
Are you an expert on Doctor Who? Do you know your Sontarans from your Silurians? Then why not test your mettle at Moor Allerton Library on 18 February from 2pm-3pm against co-author of ‘Who-ology, the ultimate guide to Dr Who and Wit, Wisdom and Timey-Wimey Stuff: The Quotable Doctor Who’, Mark Wright. This is again a Breeze Arts Week event, with booking required. Tickets are priced at £3 (£2 with Breezecard). To book tickets call the Box Office on: 0113 2243801.
On Thursday 19 February, Leeds’ Librarians will be taking over The White Swan Pub in the city centre to host a special quiz from 8pm. Have you and your friends got what it takes to come out on top against rival teams? Priced at just 50p per person, all proceeds from the night will go to charity.
There is no stopping the movie ‘Frozen’ in its world domination and if you or your children cannot get enough of the smash hit film, the Horsforth Ballroom has just the event for you. ‘Let it Go’ in a fun filled afternoon on Friday 20 February from 1pm-3pm and make a crown just like Elsa’s or your own Olaf to take home. Take part in a special fancy dress competition and meet a very special guest. Booking is required, with tickets for children priced at £4. To book tickets please visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
If your children love to sing, a professional vocal leader will be at The Compton Centre also on Friday 20 February from 2.30pm - 4.30pm.Take part in fun-filled songs exploring tales from children’s literature. Sessions cost £2 per child, with parents free, or £5 per child to attend all three sessions. For more information or to book your place, please contact Lauren Houghton (Opera North) on 0113 2233565 or email lauren.houghton@operanorth.co.uk
For a full programme of events and activities in the festival, please see: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/libraryfest.aspx
For media enquiries, please contact;
Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578
Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk