Opening of new Community Hub and library in Kirkgate Market marks National Libraries Week in Leeds

An exciting new Community Hub and library has opened its doors in a historic Leeds market this month as the city marks National Libraries Week in style.

From today, avid readers will be able to browse and choose from a great selection of books at the new library, which is situated in the confines of the city’s famous Leeds Kirkgate Market. Incorporated within the site will also be a Community Hub, where visitors can find out more and be given support on how to access a variety of important council services, and a designated Kirkgate Market information and enquiry desk. To support the Community Hub, which will also open during national Customer Service Week from 7-11 October, trained staff will be on hand to answer residents’ queries, whilst four public access computers and a designated council services hotline will also be available. The introduction of the new Community Hub forms part of the council’s vision to provide residents living in communities across the city with the opportunity to access and find out more about the services on offer.

This opening at Kirkgate Market offers a unique location in which people can discover the thrill and passion of a good book. It also marks an exciting time for council libraries in Leeds as the city hosts a rich programme of activities and events to celebrate National Libraries Week from 7-12 October.

Some of the activities on offer for National Libraries Week include a drawing and painting workshop at Leeds Central Library on Tuesday, October 8, and a visit by children’s author James Nichol to Morley Library on Wednesday October 9. Also available on Wednesday, 9 October is a fascinating talk in Leeds Central Library’s Room 700 with author Erwin James who became a writer in prison after he was jailed for life in 1984. Erwin went on to write a regular column for The Guardian newspaper.

With one of the city’s most popular cultural events ‘Light Night’ also being held on Thursday 10 & 11 October, youngsters under the age of five can also join in the fun through a number of ‘Star in the Jar’ events at different libraries.

For a full programme, including locations, timings and ticket information please see: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills, employment and equality said:

“We are extremely keen to offer people that visit Kirkgate Market a varied and diverse offer that can cater for their varied needs and requirements under one roof. The introduction of a new Community Hub and library to Leeds Kirkgate Market is an important gateway in which we can make council services more accessible to our customers. From a market perspective, it will also offer us the opportunity to expand our customer services work through the introduction of a new information and enquiry desk.”

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk