Popular festival set to takeover city libraries later this week

A popular festival showcasing a wide range of fantastic activities and events in libraries across the city is set to return later this week.

Since making its debut in 2015, ‘Library Fest’ has proved to be a bit hit with people of all ages in Leeds, and will once again open its doors to the public from Saturday 4 February - Sunday 19 February.

Featuring in the programme will be workshops, talks, performances, author events, gaming and much, much more. Taking part in ‘Library Fest’ alongside many Leeds City Council libraries will also be the historic independent subscription library, The Leeds Library, and the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery at the University of Leeds. For the first time, the Henry Moore Institute Research Library will also feature and during the festival will be offering unique tours of the research library at the Henry Moore Institute and viewings of its exhibition City Sculpture Projects 1972.

Whether you or your family and friends both young and old have a passion for gaming, poetry, books, comics and art, or have an interest in the city’s hidden treasures or family history, Library Fest has something to offer. To find out more about just some of the events and activities available, please go to the Notes to editors section. To view the full Library Fest programme, please see: www.leeds.gov.uk/libraryfest

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

“Since its debut in 2015, Library Fest has really captured the imagination of so many people in our city. It is fantastic therefore to be able to announce that Library Fest will be returning again this year for a fortnight from Saturday 4 February.

“Once again we have as part of Library Fest, put together a packed programme of events and activities offering something for everyone. While many of the events do not require pre-booking there are some listings that do, and with that in mind, we would ask people to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Notes to editors:

Events and activities featuring in Leeds Fest:

The festival begins with a special launch event at Horsforth Library Ballroom on Saturday 4 February from 11am till 3pm. Drop in and discover craft stalls, fun activities, a pop-up café by Inkwell Arts and more!

New parents will love our popular Multi-Sensory Social event held in a relaxed yet stimulating environment at Central Library on Monday 6 February at 10.30-11.30am, with taster sessions at Oakwood on Tuesday 7 and Moor Allerton on Friday 10 February, both at 10.30-11.30am. Booking is required - www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Join us at Central Library on February 6 for ‘Anyone Can Code’, a fun and interactive beginner’s session for adults from 6-7.30pm, led by a real-life coder! Details can be found here - www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Poetry Night at Seacroft Library from 7pm-8.30pm, also on the 6^th, with special readings from local poet, Peter Spafford. Email stuart.hennigan@leeds.gov.uk or contact the library for more details.

On Thursday 9 February, search for hidden treasures at Armley Community Hub’s Geocache Drop-In from 10-12noon. You’ll get all the skills needed to take part in an international treasure hunt that requires computer know-how and an inquisitive mind. Later that evening, back by popular demand is Speed Date Our Library Treasures 2pm from 7pm at Crowd of Favours. The libraries team will be dusting off some unique and little-seen library treasures for you to get your hands on! Booking is essential – please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Join Philip Wilde for a talk entitled 500 Years of the Kirkstall Missal on Saturday 11 February at Horsforth Ballroom 2.00-3.00pm. Evidence uncovered suggests it was being used by the monks of Kirkstall Abbey. Please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents to book. The talk will be repeated on Wednesday 15 February at 6.00pm at Central Library.

If you’re aged 11 or older and love writing, drawing and customising notebooks, we’ve got the workshop for you! On Sunday 12 February, join author and illustrator Teresa Flavin at Moor Allerton Community Hub from 1.00pm where she will show you how to construct and customise your journal. Please book via www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Join much loved children’s illustrator and author Nick Sharratt on Monday 13 February at 2.30pm at the Carriageworks Theatre for Vikings in the Supermarket; an interactive event with live drawing and rhymes, plus book signing. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for children, available from: www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks.

On Wednesday 15 February at 11.00am, head to Wetherby Library for Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, a workshop by author Kate Pankhurst aimed at children aged 5-11. To book, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Leeds Central Library is also screening haunting fantasy film Pan’s Labyrinth in the Local and Family History department on Thursday 16 February at 6.00pm. An exhibition of unusual books and a chance to explore hidden dark corners will make this an experience not to be missed. This is suitable for ages 15 and over. Tickets are £5; to book please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Explore the history of print at Pressed for Words at Armley Mills on Friday 17 February from 11.00-4.00pm through the collections of Leeds Museums and Libraries in this special Library Fest collaboration. Expect interactive printing workshops, talks and the chance to see original printing presses and early printed books. See the website for admission prices to the museum and more information - http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/armleymills

The last event of the festival, in Central Library on Saturday 18 February from 11.00-5.00pm will be the Day of Cosplay - join us to celebrate all things cosplay and Japanese. There’ll be Yu-Gi-Oh! and Wii games, a cosplay and anime/manga art competition as well as quizzes and crafts. All ages are welcome.

For media enquiries, please contact;

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

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk