Welcome
As we move in to a new season, take time to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Visit our spaces to find a comfortable place to read, study, work or meet others. We have free Wi-Fi and 1000s of books for you to browse. Keep reading to find some tips and resources to help you stay connected, healthy and happy.
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.
 Celebrate the Coronation
This weekend marks the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. Pick up one of our Coronation postcards from your local library to share your hopes and aspirations for the new reign and be part of history.
You can also make your own seed bomb inspired by The King's love of nature. Your seed bomb will grow into a welcoming habitat for pollinators and bring a joyful splash of colour to your local area.
Enjoy workshops across Leeds: Celebrate with Seeds
Find an event celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III near you: leeds.gov.uk/coronation
 It's playtime!
Colourful boxes full of fun have been rolled out in libraries as part of of a project to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Free to use and with no play time limit, these small but mighty boxes contain all sorts of goodies for under 5s and their grown-ups to explore through play.
Developed by Leeds Libraries in partnership with Playful Anywhere and Play Explore Art, the mini playboxes will be brightening up 14 libraries in areas around Yorkshire and Humber after a successful pilot in eight libraries in Leeds. Visit Leeds Central Library to start your play adventure!
The project has been made possible through generous funding from Art Council England and Libraries Connected Yorkshire and Humber.
For updates on family friendly activities and events sign-up to Leeds Libraries Newsletters for Children and Families or visit our events page.
 Reading for pleasure
Reading for just 6 minutes has been shown to reduce stress levels by up to 68%.
Take some time out to browse our catalogue and find that special book to help you relax. You will find specially curated book collections and be able to access recently added books and popular titles. You can reserve books located at any of our libraries and choose which library you would like to collect them from. Giving you access to 1000s of books, all for free!
leeds.gov.uk/libraries
 Our Reading Well collections can help you manage your health and wellbeing; these books are chosen by health experts and people living with specific conditions.
Explore our Reading Well Collection today.
Ask for a book
Looking for a good read? Not sure where to start?
Ask for a Book is a new online personalised book recommendation service offering reading suggestions which can be collected from Leeds Central Library.
Choose a cover or theme based on a collection displayed on the screen and our dedicated Book Picker will select a recommendation for you!
Get started now: askforabook.com
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Read with others
Social reading activities can promote wellbeing, combat isolation and bring people together. Keep reading to find out how you can join a Readers Group and enjoy our great selection of author events
Our Fascination with Crime Fiction
Bramley Community Hub and Library, Wednesday 17 May, 7pm
Martin Edwards, author of The Life of Crime a comprehensive history of crime fiction, will be in conversation with Caroline Maston to discuss crime fictions evolution and review the recently revealed 2023 Daggers shortlist.
Book your ticket.
Read the books.
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Terraformed: Young Black Lives in the Inner City
The Reginald Centre Community Hub and Library, Thursday 18 May, 6.30pm
Author Dr Joy White will be in conversation with published author and librarian Stu Hennigan, discussing her book Terraformed, and how young black lives are affected by racism, neoliberalism, austerity and other key social issues.
Book your ticket.
Read the book.
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Everybody's Midwife
The Reginald Centre Community Hub and Library, Thursday 25 May, 5.30pm
Author Gloria Hanley talks about her journey from St Kitts Islander to Leeds Community Midwife and the challenges faced as a black nurse in Leeds. An advocate for black women's health, Gloria has a seat as a magistrate on the Leeds Bench and is Chair of the Mary Seacole Nurses Association.
This event is part of Leeds Libraries' programme to celebrate Local and Community History month, and Gloria's book, Everybody's Midwife, My Community Experience.
Book your ticket.
Read the book.
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Who was the real Gentleman Jack?
Leeds Central Library, Thursday 1 June, 6:30pm
If you watched Gentleman Jack and wonder what Anne Lister did next, then this is the event for you!
Join author Jill Liddington as she discusses her new book As Good As A Marriage.
Book your ticket.
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Pete Brown: Clubland - How the Working Men's Club Shaped Britain
Garforth Community Hub and Library, Thursday 8 June, 7pm
Join us for a warm-hearted and entertaining evening, where our lively guide will take you on a fascinating journey, exploring the untold story of an often-misunderstood cultural phenomenon, including tales from Garforth’s very own Working Men’s Club.
Book your ticket.
Read the book.
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If you would like to set up a new Readers Group or join an existing group, please call into any library to chat to us. Alternatively, you can call us on 0113 3785005 or email leeds.libraries@leeds.gov.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
Sign up to our Readers' Group newsletter if you would like book recommendations, support with your Readers Group, and to find out about future author events.
Learn something new
Learning something new can have a positive effect on your wellbeing, by boosting self-confidence and connecting with others. You can learn online with Leeds Libraries Online Learning platform or visit one of our many workshops.
Browse our easy to follow online tutorials, discover your past, have a go at digital collaging or coding, find trusted information, look after your health or start a business: my.nicheacademy.com/leedslibraries
You can also find free, in person support to learn digital skills by clicking here.
 For King, Country & Home
Visit our Local Studies Library and enjoy the much-anticipated For King, Country & Home exhibition. The exhibition looks at the lives of Jamaican WWII veterans of Leeds and includes rare photographs, keepsakes and memories gathered over the years by the families of those who, pre-Windrush, formed the beginnings of the city’s Black community.
Part of the Jamaica Society Leeds Out of Many Festival made possible thanks to National Lottery players by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. For King, Country & Home is supported by a Leeds Civic Trust Community Heritage Grant and in partnership with Leeds Libraries.
Find out more.
Get creative
The Drawing Room is packed full of creative energy, get involved as Siobhan Thomas, Founder of What's Your Skirt, invites you to get stitching!
 Pitch a film!
Leeds artists and creatives are invited to pitch ideas for short-form film projects for broadcast on Sky Arts, as part of the LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture.
Five artists or artist-led organisations will be commissioned and mentored to create new, short films for Sky Arts through a unique partnership between the broadcaster, LEEDS 2023, Studio12 and The Space in association with Arts Council England.
Find out more: thespace.org/commissioning
Asplenium Scolopendrium - Fern
Order a print from Leeds Libraries collections
Enhance your living or office space with images from our specialist collections. Create a very personal reading corner with a print from one of our rare books. Choose from beautiful maps, pottery, botanical or fashion plates.
Browse here: magnoliabox.com/collections/leeds-libraries
 Take an online tour of Leeds Central Library
Opened in 1884, this Grade 2* listed building is home to a number of specialist services, including one of the country’s largest public Art libraries, a specialist Music library, the Business & Intellectual Property Centre, the Local and Family History library, and unique special collections that date back to the 15th century (including botanical books, maps and diaries).
Navigate the Leeds 2023 Culture Map to wander through rooms taking in the architectural beauty and browsing rare books as you go: Leeds Central Library 360
 Relax to music. Watch the world leading classical music channel MediciTV from the comfort of home. Access Medici TV for free with your library card.
Four timeless stories brought to life
Carriageworks Theatre, Tuesday 30 May - Saturday 3 June, Various Times
We have a very special offer for you! The Carriageworks Theatre is offering our library families a discounted ticket price to see everyone's favourite book come to life: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his well loved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear; 10 Little Rubber Ducks; The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Book your tickets. make sure you use discount code: PROMOAPPLE (select STANDARD tickets to redeem) for £5.50 tickets.
Read the books.
 Can you help a Leeds child blossom?
Register to become a foster carer with Foster4Leeds and make a difference to your local community.
Why choose us? Foster4Leeds is Leeds City Council’s 100% not-for-profit fostering service and is committed to ensuring that children in care stay close to their schools, friends, and families. We provide our incredible community of foster carers with financial and emotional support, training opportunities, exclusive benefits, and activities for themselves and their families.
To find out more about click here: Foster4Leeds, or call 0113 378 3538.
Thank you for reading our newsletter, we look forward to welcoming you, get in touch or find your local library
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