Happy New Year
Welcome to 2023 with Leeds Libraries. Being a member of the library really is like being part of a special club, in this issue of our newsletter we highlight some of the benefits of using your library card and some of our best kept secrets. Read on to find out more.
If you're not already, please make sure you're following us on social media to get the latest news and see what we're up to.
Discover something new this year
If you are looking to explore a new hobby, skill or expand your imagination this year we have just the thing.
New book recommendations have arrived!
Your 'to read pile' is about to get bigger and better! A brand new website has been launched with Leeds Central Library being the first to deliver Ask for A Book.
You'll get trusted recommendations and free books, all you need to do is tell us what you like by picking cover designs and themes that appeal to you. Your personal Book Picker will then suggest 3 books and let you know when they will be ready to collect at the library. Perfect if you are looking to read more this year. Be inspired and get reading!
Simply visit askforabook.com to get started. Currently available at Leeds Central Library.
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Does someone you know need help to get online?
Whether they are a complete beginner or just need a bit more support, or even have a question about a device, we can help.
Get in touch: 0113 378 5005 or find a #Digital121 support session here.
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Enjoy your library anywhere, anytime
You can enjoy the library from the comfort of home or when you are out and about using your mobile device.
Download the library app, read an eBook or eMagazine for FREE! Get started: Leeds.gov.uk/Libraries
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Stream music for free
Discover Medici.TV for free with your library card! The world's leading classical music channel, medici.tv offers access to the best of classical music, concerts, films and tutorials for viewers.
Learn more in this helpful guide: bit.ly/MediciGuide
Log in to enjoy: bit.ly/MediciLL
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New year, new business idea?
If you’re thinking of starting up or growing your own business this year, our Business & IP Centre has got you covered. With a range of free workshops across West Yorkshire, get to grips with key business topics, learn new skills and meet other entrepreneurs in your area. Find events happening near you – from getting going as a craft business to putting your branding strategy in place for 2023.
You can also visit your nearest Business & IP Centre for free access to resources, one-to-one support, and information and guidance for your small business.
If you’ve used Business & IP Centre services, have your say in the user survey. Feedback is vital to help us maintain our services so that we can continue to provide you with free business support. Take 10 minutes to fill out the questionnaire before 20 January.
If you're looking for extra information around starting or growing your own business, you can call the team on 0113 378 6010. If you'd prefer you can also email bipcleeds@leeds.gov.uk or sign up to the BIPC newsletter.
Leeds Lit Fest is back
Leeds Libraries is the place to be for families and young readers for Leeds Lit Fest. With an exciting program of STEAM based family friendly events leading up to a full day of books and science to tickle your curiosity on Saturday 4 March.
Your favourite authors will treat you to storytelling, feisty feminist fairy tales, spells, monsters, jelly fish and much more!
Don't miss our big finale: Weather Investigations with Princess Olivia and Lucy Hawking Best-selling author Lucy Hawking introduces a brand new series of stories for children offering an engaging and fun to find out more about earth and climate science.
View the full Leeds Lit Fest family friendly offer brought to you by Leeds Libraries here.
For updates on family friendly activities and events sign up to Leeds Libraries Newsletters for Children and Families or visit our events page.
Literary events
The Art of the Short Story
Chapel Allerton Library, Thursday 2 February, 7-8.30pm
This event is a must for all aspiring writers and anyone interested in how to write short fiction. We’ve assembled an amazing panel of multi-award winning writers. Join Naomi Booth, Leone Ross and James Clarke as they discuss what makes a good short story and to share their top tips on how to write short fiction.
Book your ticket.
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Queer Publishing Now
Horsforth Library, Saturday 11 February, 2-3.30pm
Join us in the fabulous surroundings of Horsforth Library ballroom as we discuss queer publishing now, including the hottest queer publishers on the block, Inkandescent and Cipher Press, with Ray Larman from The Bookish Type coming along to talk about their experiences running Leeds’ very own queer bookshop.
Book your ticket.
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In Conversation with Gwendoline Riley
Leeds Central Library, Thursday 16 March, 6:00pm
Join prize-winning author Gwendoline Riley as she discusses her highly-acclaimed most recent novel about a tense mother/daughter relationship with Sarah Tyson from Books Up North My Phantoms is described as ‘a bold, heart-stopping portrayal of a failed familial bond, which brings humour, subtlety & new life to the difficult terrain of mothers & daughters’.
Book your ticket.
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Celebrating Publication Day with author J. M. Hall
Riversmeet Café in Methley, Thurdsay 30 March, 6:30pm
Celebrate the launch of J.M Hall’s sequel to his bestselling cosy crime debut ‘A Spoonful of Murder’. In ‘A Pen Dipped in Poison’, retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma are back at their usual table at the Thirsk Garden Centre café with a brand-new mystery to solve…
Book your ticket.
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Sign up to the Readers' Group newsletter if you would like book recommendations, support with your Readers Group, and to find out about future author events.
 Chinese and British
16 January – 4 March
Chinese communities have been calling the UK home for much longer than many realise. Tracing their heritage back to regions in East and South-East Asia, they’ve established a rich and diverse culture across the UK.
In a new free panel display, inspired by the British Library’s current exhibition, we reflect on this long history through photographs, manuscripts and interviews with those who have lived through it.
Visit Halton Library from 16 January to learn more about the history and lasting legacy of this vibrant community, and to understand what it really means to be Chinese and British.
 Lunar New Year: A family celebration
Live streamed from Liverpool Central Library
Halton Library, 21 January, 10.30am
Join us to celebrate Lunar New Year alongside beloved children's authors Eva Wong Nava and Maisie Chan. How does a writer think of a great story? How do they come up with their characters? Do they do all the drawings themselves? Drop-in to these streamed events to hear stories, join activities and even ask your own questions to the authors.
Alongside these events there will be a family friendly activity trail and craft activities inspired by the Chinese calendar.
Free event, booking recommended. Suitable for children age 4+
Keep an eye out for other events as part of the Chinese and British programme at Halton and Moor Allerton Library.
 Stay warm at your local Library
Your local Community Hub and Library offers a warm welcome and are free to use for anyone struggling to heat their home.
We offer hot drinks, activities, and other services such as free Wi-Fi. Warm Spaces are heated, safe and friendly places where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others.
Find your local Warm Space here and local library opening hours here.
Library Socials
Library Socials are monthly events for people to meet one another and enjoy a variety of activities in their local library. Each one has a different theme; a creative activity to enjoy, a new skill to learn. It's free and there's no need to book.
Find your Library Social here.
 Introduction to printing: Learn to linocut
Drawing Room, Leeds Central Library, Friday 27 January, 2pm
Hosted by Annie Cunniffe you will be taught the basics of linocut printing, and take away a new skill and hobby. All materials provided, plus access to printing press. For this and more fantastic Drawing Room activities check out Leeds Inspired
Help others to discover the joy of reading
We are looking for Reading Friends. Help others to find books they enjoy and spark conversation.
To get involved visit: volunteering-in-libraries
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Thank you for reading our newsletter, we are always happy to welcome you, get in touch or find your local library
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