Intriguing discoveries as the Leeds Library moves into next-door Georgian building for its first expansion since 1808

At the turn of the 19th century, the library’s members bought an empty plot on Commercial Street for their new home. Founded in 1768 and originally housed in a bookshop and then the Rotation Office used by the city’s magistrates, larger premises were needed and the street was being laid out for an upmarket shopping development. The current site was purpose-built, while neighbouring number 15 was intended for retail, and this use ended only recently with the closure of the outdoor store Trespass.

The Leeds Library is Grade II-listed, but number 15, while being similar in age and original appearance, is not and has been altered over the years. Its acquisition means that the Library’s floorspace will grow significantly and that crucially, modern disabled access can finally be provided.

The Leeds faces a similar conundrum to many libraries in that its collection has only grown over time, with its oldest items lovingly retained and preserved. There are now 140,000 books in its possession, with many in off-site storage. For the first time since the 1800s, the entire collection will now be available under one roof.

The new floors will become an exhibition space, meeting rooms and members’ areas, with books stored in the basement. There is even a roof terrace. The ground floor will remain a retail unit and a tenant has been secured, giving the charity a new source of income.

"Our whole history has been of running out of space. We’ll now be able to unite the collection for the first time in years. It’s the ideal building for us, and as the character of Leeds city centre changes, with retail moving out, culture is moving in,” said marketing officer Ian Harker.

The five new levels will allow for a more ambitious events calendar, with live theatre, music and comedy all planned. A Heritage Lottery Fund grant will enable a new engagement officer to be employed.

"It’s a modernisation that’s taking us into the 21st century, and a new chapter for us while remaining rooted in our history.”

As for the building work itself, a ‘hideous’ modern frontage has now been removed and contractors have made intriguing discoveries, including the original handmade Georgian bricks, each with a unique design from a time before mass production.

Membership is buoyant and diversifying, with the library’s management removing a 500-member cap in the past decade to broaden its appeal.

"With our live events, we always had the space pressure, as we are a quiet, serene environment, so there has been that competition over usage that doesn’t compromise that,” added Mr Harker.

"Our membership now is our highest ever, and the age range is bigger now, and getting younger. Changes in working patters have helped, with more people looking for spaces in the city centre in which to work. Usage has changed.

"This project has been all-encompassing, but we are always talking to members about the future and responding to what they ask for.”