Welcome
For this special edition, we're really excited to share with you our programme of livestreams, talks, workshops and much more as part of our Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition, in partnership with the British Library.
For centuries readers have escaped their everyday lives and journeyed into new worlds filled with magic and adventure, incredible mythical creatures, and heroes and villains that speak to our greatest dreams and fears.
Explore the origins of fantasy with Greek epics and Arthurian legends, through to the ethereal illustrations of Arthur Rackham and pop culture icon Xena: Warrior Princess. Fantasy, folklore and fan culture will meet in this magical new celebration of rare books, ancient artefacts, and memorabilia.
A free exhibition at Leeds Central Library: 10 November - 17 January 2024 which can be accessed during our opening hours. More information here
The exhibition will tour to a selection of libraries in Leeds in the new year.
 Our livestream programme gives you exclusive access to world famous authors and we can't wait to bring some of the top names in fantasy to Leeds.
These events are livestreamed directly from the British Library in London and take place at Leeds Central Library. Book here.
- Tales of the Weird: Tuesday 14 Nov, 7pm
- Why We Need Fantasy: Neil Gaiman in Conversation: 20 Nov, 7pm
- The Worlds of Terry Pratchett: Neil Gaiman & Rob Wilkins: 21 Nov, 7pm
- An Evening with Philip Pullman: 30 Nov, 7pm
- Fantasy Worlds: A Day of Livestreams: 9 Dec 11am-3pm
Explore tales of the fantastic, hear the stories behind artefacts from film and TV and discover Black British speculative fiction...
Fantasy: A Survival Guide to Medieval Fairy Tales with Marta Cobb
Thursday 16 November, 1pm, Central Library
What would you do if your wife was stolen by fairies? Or if you discover your husband is a werewolf? What about when a green knight invites you to chop off his head?
Find out the answers to these and other questions in this exploration of medieval tales of the fantastic, with Dr Marta Cobb from the University of Leeds.
Book your free ticket here.
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Royal Armouries Presents: Fantasy and Fan Culture in the Collections
Wednesday 13 December, 6pm, Central Library
Join Royal Armouries Keeper of Firearms & Artillery, Jonathan Ferguson, as he provides a behind the scenes story of the Armouries project to collect and display artefacts from film and television.
Book your free ticket here.
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A Glimpse Into Other Worlds
Wednesday 6 December, 6.30pm, Central Library
Glimpse is the first speculative fiction anthology of Black British writers, with stories of Afrofuturism, magic realism, and transformation.
Leone Ross, the editor of Glimpse, teases out from three writers: Akila Richards, Nii Parkes and Pete Kalu, their re-imaginings, other worlds and how they create the unexpected to make their readers pause. Speculative fiction encourages writers to grow wings – there are no limits to what could be.
Book your ticket here. This event is Pay As You Feel, suggested fee £5.
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Anne Stokes: Fantasy Art talk and book signing
Saturday 18 November 11am, Central Library
Join us for a mesmerizing talk of magic and imagination as we welcome renowned artist and author Anne Stokes to share her captivating journey through the realm of fantasy art.
Exclusive signed copies of Anne's spellbinding books may be purchased on the day via contactless card payments.
Book your free ticket here. Suitable for all, including children aged 8+
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Ignite your creativity with our special fantasy themed workshops...
Draw a Dragon workshop with Anne Stokes
Saturday 18 November, 1.30pm, Central Library
Join fantasy artist Anne Stokes for an exclusive drawing workshop. Anne will share techniques, tips and insights into her artistic journey and provide personalised guidance to help you create a stunning dragon masterpiece of your own.
All materials are provided, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your dragon to life.
Book your ticket here. Suitable for people aged 14+
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Fantasy inspired Lino Print workshops with Annie Cunniffe - book here
- Saturday 18 November, 11am at Armley Community Hub & Library
- Wednesday 22 November, 10am at Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library
- Wednesday 29 November, 5.30pm at Wetherby Community Hub & Library
Fantastical Beasts and How To Make Them with Lydia Rain - book here
- Wednesday 15 November, 5.30pm at Horsforth Community Hub & Library
- Saturday 18 November, 11am at the Compton Centre
- Wednesday 29 November, 5.30pm at Hunslet Community Hub & Library
A day of Fantasy Family Fun at Leeds Central Library. Join a workshop with children’s theatre company Libellule, see amazing author Joseph Coelho and listen to a magical story time.
Kaimi and the Missing Stories by Libellule Theatre
A one hour interactive storytelling workshop for children aged 5-7 to explore the secret world of storyseeking!
Workshops take place at 10am and 1.30pm.
Book your free ticket here.
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Joseph Coelho: Fairytales Gone Bad
Joseph is the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022-2024, and an award-winning poet, playwright and writer.
Zombierella, the first in a series of spooky stories described by Joseph as “Fairy Tales Gone Bad” was published in 2020. Illustrated by Freya Hartas, these dark, twisted tales are inspired by traditional fairy tales, and are popular with our library customers aged 8 -12 years.
Events starts at 11.30am. Book your free ticket here.
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Find out more
Did you know we have 3 library newsletters, where you can find out more about family friendly activities, local history and books and reading? Sign up here:
Thank you for reading our latest newsletter. We look forward to welcoming you soon - get in touch or find your local library
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