The original Armley Library was part of the Sunday School opening in 1874, moving to a plot on Wesley Road in 1902. It is one of our oldest libraries. Still in the same spot! And declared Grade II listed in 1976.

In 1910 Armley got its first female Librarian (8 years it took!). Maud Mary Hummerston started her career in Armley Library and in 1912 she became the ‘Official Storyteller’, the first children’s story time happened in this branch.

We have an Armley Library advocate in playwright Alan Bennett, who’s dad used to own a butchers in Armley. Alan visited Armley and Central Library often growing up and in 2016 he popped over for a cuppa to look at our maps. He even sent a postcard to say thanks.

Armley is also the hometown of author Barbara Taylor Bradford, and even though she is an absolute A lister in America now, she popped back in 2003 when we modernised the building to talk about her connections to Leeds and Armley Library.

Very recently Armley Library had a revamp. We now offer a host of services operating as a Community Hub, but we can assure you we can still help you source a wonderful book or two. We also still have some of our key features for you to continue to adore.