Leeds Library

[2] In 1779, James Boswell wrote, "In Leeds, where one would not expect it, there is a very good public library, where strangers are treated with great civility.

[4] The library moved twice before settling in the purpose built premises on Commercial Street, Leeds on 4 July 1808.

As of June 2020[update] the library has over 1000 members who pay an annual subscription.

The library is estimated to have a stock of over 140 000 titles with 1,500 new books being added annually.

The library is the setting for much of Frances Brody's 2014 novel Death of an Avid Reader.