Leeds Libraries Newsletter - February 2022

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Leeds Libraries Newsletter

Leeds Libraries Newsletter - February 2022

Welcome to Leeds Libraries newsletter

Hello and welcome to February's newsletter, the place to find out what's happening in libraries across Leeds. This month you can expect author events as part of the Leeds Lit Fest, a national exhibition in partnership with The British Library, and an exciting glimpse at our newly refurbished Business & IP Centre.

If you're not already, make sure you're following us on social media to get the latest news and see what we're up to.


Visit our new Business & IP Centre

We're really excited to welcome back aspiring entrepreneurs to our newly refurbished BIPC space. Visit BIPC Leeds on the 2nd floor of Leeds Central Library for free support to kickstart your business ideas. At BIPC Leeds you can get free access to exclusive business databases and attend a programme of free workshops and one-to-ones to get the skills you need to start, run or grow your own business.

The space also includes a new computer suite and free collaborative workspace. So if you're starting up or currently run a business and need a space to work, why not call in and visit us?

Find out more about BIPC Leeds and book onto upcoming events.

BIPC Leeds

Family friendly literature festival

Leeds Lit Festival is back for 2022, visit Leeds Central Library on Saturday 26 February for a fantastic line-up of inspiring and interactive events for children and young people, all of which are FREE. 

leeds lit fest

What's On..

All the authors taking part have written novels, poetry and picture books for young readers with an environmental theme. Highlights of the day include: 

Steve Cole, the author of Young Bond, Dr Who novels and the hugely popular Astrosaurs series of books, talking about his thrilling short stories with an environmental theme at their hearts.

Younger book lovers can enjoy a free session with author Maudie Smith, who writes colourful picture books filled with engaging characters and adventures.

Join writers Gill Lewis and Hannah Gold as they discuss what makes a good nature story for children. 

Andy Mulligan will be talking about his inspiration for his book Trash, which is about three boys growing up on a dumpsite, and afterwards there will be a screening of the film. 

Find out more about all the events for children taking place during Leeds Lit Festival 2022, go to www.leedsinspired.co.uk/collection/leeds-lit-fest-2022 


The Old Green Time Machine

The Old Green Time Machine follows the journey of two intrepid and quirky time travellers who are in a race to save the world. This family friendly show will take place in libraries across Leeds in the run up to the Leeds Lit Fest. Audience members can meet the characters and stay behind for some planet saving tips and tricks, as well as games and a whole load of time traveling mischief! 

Find tickets at www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/old-green-time-machine

The Old Green Time Machine

Breaking the News

Delve into local and regional headlines dating back to the 17th century as part of our Breaking the News exhibition, in partnership with the British Library.

The exhibition will feature historical and topical news items, ranging from weird and wonderful supernatural stories to the representation of women in the news, brought together through a programme of events, talks and workshops.

Visit Breaking the News between 24 February - 7 April in Room 700 at Leeds Central Library. Find opening hours and how to get there here: leeds.gov.uk/libraries/central-library

Breaking The News

The Launch Debate

Be the first to view the Breaking the News exhibition at our lively panel debate and drinks reception in Leeds Central Library on Thursday 24 February.

The panel will be chaired by journalist and Channel 4 Newsreader, Fatima Manji and with very special guests, James Mitchinson of the Yorkshire Post, artist and activist Rachel Horne, and former reporter Roger Lytollis. Enjoy an evening celebrating regional news and its significance at the heart of communities

Sign up for FREE here: ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/breaking-the-news-the-launch-debate/e-gkmjgj

Sarah Vaughan

Reputation: An evening in conversation with Sarah Vaughan

As part of the Breaking the News programme we bring you an evening in conversation with Sarah Vaughan, author of bestselling novel Anatomy of a Scandal coming soon to Netflix. Sarah will introduce her new novel, Reputation, about a female MP who’s accused of murdering a tabloid journalist who’s now discovered a secret about her fourteen-year-old girl.

Meet Sarah at Leeds Central Library on Thursday 10 March. A welcome drink is included in the ticket price and copies of both books will be available to buy and have signed by the author after the event, find your ticket here:  ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/sarah-vaughan-reputation/e-rxdbqe


LGBT+ History Month

Did you know that 2022 sees the 50th anniversary of the very first Pride March in the UK in 1972?

This LGBT+ History Month join us for Keepers of the City's Queer Past and learn how The West Yorkshire Queer Stories project brought all kinds of donations to Leeds’s museums, libraries and archives from local LGBTQ+ people. Dr Ross Horsley from the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks at how these have helped to diversify our heritage collections and highlight underrepresented voices within the region’s history. 

Find your ticket and join us on Wednesday 23 February:ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/keepers-of-the-citys-queer-past/e-qqbejx


Time to Read

Did you know just 6 minutes reading a day reduces stress and anxiety? Why not make the time during your work break to get a bit of fresh air and take a walk over to Central Library with your book and lunch? We have a created a Reading Retreat in our new Wellbeing Space, a reflective and peaceful space in the heart of Leeds Central Library.

Every Monday 12-2pm from 14 February.

You can also pick up your next read from our collections and displays in the library or select a title from the catalogue: Leeds Libraries Catalogue

We look forward to welcoming you!

Time to Read

World Heart Month

February is World Heart Month. You can access digital tools for better prevention, diagnosis and care of heart-related conditions.

  • Use the Heart Age Tool to compare your heart age compared to your real age, and tips to improve your heart health.
  • Visit the West Yorkshire Healthy Hearts website for further information on blood pressure testing, check your risk and where to get a blood pressure check.

Look after your heart by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and saying no to tobacco. Digital tools, like phone apps and wearables, can really help you to get motivated and stay on track.