Libraries in Leeds Festival 2024: A Celebration of Books, Learning, and Creativity

Leeds is home to over 50 libraries, each playing a vital role in fostering learning, creativity, and community. The Libraries in Leeds Festival 2024, held from 4th to 9th November, promises a variety of enriching activities ranging from engaging talks to exclusive backstage tours.

With the festival's theme focused on "journeys," both literal and intellectual, attendees are invited to explore new ideas, embrace creative experiences, and delve into the wealth of resources that the city's libraries and archives offer. Whether you're a family looking for fun activities, a student curious about academic resources, or simply a book lover, this festival has something for everyone.

Event	Date	Time	Location
Supporting Dyslexic Children to Read for Pleasure	Wednesday, 9th October 2024	4:00 pm – 5:00 pm	Webinar via Zoom
What’s it Like to Work in a Health Library?	Friday, 25th October 2024	12:00 pm – 1:00 pm	Littlewood Hall Lecture Theatre, Leeds General Infirmary
Backstage Tours of Libraries and Archives	Monday, 4th – Friday, 8th November 2024	Various Times	Various Locations
Information Literacy: A Critical Thinking Workshop	Monday, 4th November 2024	1:00 pm – 2:30 pm	Sanderson Room, Leeds Central Library
Tilly Lockey: Overcoming Adversity and Embracing the Future	Monday, 4th November 2024	5:30 pm – 7:00 pm	Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
AI in Libraries: Beyond the Hype	Tuesday, 5th November 2024	6:30 pm – 8:00 pm	The Leeds Library
Mining the Moving Image Archives	Wednesday, 6th November 2024	12:00 pm – 1:30 pm	Henry Moore Institute
Literary Journeys with Tracy Chevalier	Wednesday, 6th November 2024	6:00 pm – 7:30 pm	Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
Mary-Ann Ochota presents Secret Leeds	Thursday, 7th November 2024	5:30 pm – 7:00 pm	Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
Ash Bhardwaj Explores Why We Travel	Friday, 8th November 2024	6:00 pm – 7:30 pm	The Leeds Library
Get Creative in the Makerspace!	Saturday, 9th November 2024	10:00 am – 4:00 pm	The Makerspace at Edward Boyle Library
LS18 Rocks Leeds Libraries!	Saturday, 9th November 2024	10:00 am – 4:00 pm	Leeds Central Library
Leeds Library Walk	Saturday, 9th November 2024	11:15 am – 12:30 pm	Leeds City Centre

A variety of family-friendly activities on Saturday

On Saturday 9th November, Leeds will host a day filled with free, family-friendly creative workshops and experiences, including the debut of the new Leeds Library Walk. The event aims to make libraries accessible and fun for all, encouraging families to engage with the world of books and creativity in innovative ways.

Supporting dyslexic children in reading for pleasure

One of the festival’s key sessions is a webinar on supporting dyslexic children in discovering the joy of reading. Set for Wednesday, 9th October, this Zoom event will run from 4–5 pm and costs £5 per school, with unlimited attendees. It focuses on practical strategies that can help children with dyslexia cultivate a love of reading, tapping into inclusive educational practices that benefit all.

Health libraries: An insider’s perspective

Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a health library? This topic will be explored in a dedicated talk on Friday 25th October from 12 to 1 pm at Littlewood Hall Lecture Theatre, Leeds General Infirmary. Attendees will gain insights into how health libraries support medical professionals, patients, and the broader healthcare system through access to crucial information.

Exclusive backstage tours of libraries and archives

Between 4th and 8th November, festival-goers will be treated to rare backstage tours of Leeds' libraries and archives. These behind-the-scenes tours are free, offering attendees a chance to see how libraries manage their vast collections, preserve historic documents, and make knowledge accessible to the public. However, as space is limited, early booking is advised.

Information literacy workshop

Critical thinking is an essential skill in today’s information-rich world. On Monday 4th November, Leeds Central Library will host a workshop on information literacy, focusing on developing critical thinking skills and navigating the ever-expanding digital landscape. The workshop, from 1–2:30 pm, is free to attend and is open to all.

Tilly Lockey: Overcoming adversity and embracing the future

Tilly Lockey, a renowned advocate for overcoming adversity, will speak on Monday 4th November from 5:30–7 pm at the Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds. This inspirational talk will focus on her journey of resilience and how she embraced technological advancements to create a brighter future. The event operates on a "pay what you decide" basis, allowing attendees to contribute what they feel is appropriate.

AI in libraries: Moving beyond the hype

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming various sectors, and libraries are no exception. On Tuesday 5th November, the Leeds Library will host a discussion titled AI in Libraries: Beyond the Hype. Running from 6:30–8 pm, this session explores how AI is shaping the future of library services, from improving access to information to enhancing user experience. Like many other festival events, this is a "pay what you decide" session, encouraging accessibility for all.

Mining the moving image archives

On Wednesday 6th November, the Henry Moore Institute will hold a fascinating session titled Mining the Moving Image Archives. Taking place from 12–1:30 pm, this event will explore the rich history stored within moving image archives and how they can be used for research, education, and creative projects. This session also operates on a "pay what you decide" basis.

Literary journeys with Tracy Chevalier

Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier will speak on Wednesday 6th November from 6–7:30 pm at the Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds. In this talk, she will share her insights on crafting stories that take readers on literary journeys, blending history with fiction. This event is perfect for aspiring writers and avid readers alike and is another "pay what you decide" offering.

Mary-Ann Ochota presents Secret Leeds

Television presenter and anthropologist Mary-Ann Ochota will uncover the hidden history of Leeds in her talk titled Secret Leeds. Scheduled for Thursday 7th November, this session runs from 5:30–7 pm at the Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds. Attendees can expect to hear intriguing stories of Leeds' past that are not commonly known, making this a must-attend event for history enthusiasts.

Ash Bhardwaj explores why we travel

Travel writer and filmmaker Ash Bhardwaj will share his experiences and insights in a talk titled Why We Travel. This event will be held on Friday 8th November from 6–7:30 pm at The Leeds Library. Bhardwaj will delve into the motivations behind human exploration, touching on themes of adventure, self-discovery, and cultural exchange. Once again, this is a "pay what you decide" event, making it accessible to all who wish to attend.

Get creative in the makerspace

Saturday, 9th November, will offer a hands-on experience for creative minds with a day-long event at the Makerspace at Edward Boyle Library. Running from 10 am to 4 pm, this free workshop invites participants to explore innovative tools and techniques, from 3D printing to digital design. It's an ideal event for those eager to learn new skills or collaborate on creative projects.

LS18 rocks Leeds Libraries!

Music lovers won’t want to miss LS18 Rocks Leeds Libraries!, a musical extravaganza happening at Leeds Central Library on Saturday 9th November. The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm and is completely free. With live performances and workshops, this is a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of music and literature in a vibrant library setting.

Leeds Library Walk: Explore the city’s literary heritage

For those looking to explore the city's literary heritage, the Leeds Library Walk is scheduled for Saturday 9th November, from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm. This walking tour will take participants through key sites in the Leeds City Centre, highlighting the city's historical connection to books, authors, and the written word. Participants can pay what they decide to join this journey through Leeds' literary past.

The Libraries in Leeds Festival 2024 is a rich celebration of learning, creativity, and community. With events catering to all interests—from health and information literacy to music and historical exploration—there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on the chance to engage with the vibrant literary culture in Leeds, whether you’re attending a free family-friendly workshop or a thought-provoking talk.