Libraries in Leeds Festival, 4–9 Nov
Inspiring talks, thought-provoking discussions and experiences for everyone to enjoy.
University of Leeds Libraries is hosting some fabulous events as part of the Libraries in Leeds Festival between 4 – 9 November 2024.
Don’t miss out on seeing author of “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, Tracey Chevalier, tech pioneer and diversity advocate Tilly Lockey, and TV presenter and contributor to Hidden Histories and Secret Britain, Mary-Ann Ochota.
We are contributing our own expertise in partnership with colleagues from the British Library and across the region. University Librarian Masud Khokhar speaks on AI in Libraries, Angela Newton from our Learning Development Team co-hosts a critical thinking workshop battling misinformation, and the doors of the Library Makerspace are thrown open for a family event to Get Creative.
There are also other events across the city: Ash Bhardwaj explores why we travel in a session at The Leeds Library, along with backstage tours, movie archives, guided walks and LS18 Rocks Leeds Libraries!
Book onto a session at the Libraries in Leeds Festival webpage. Events are either free or pay what you decide.
Events hosted by the Libraries
Information Literacy: A Critical Thinking Workshop
Monday 4th November, 1–2.30pm, Sanderson Room, Leeds Central Library
Become empowered to navigate your way more confidently through today’s ‘smog’ of disinformation, with our own Angela Newton, Learning Advisor, who joins experts from the British Library and CILIP to share their knowledge in this free interactive session.
Tilly Lockey: Overcoming Adversity and Embracing the Future
Monday 4th November 5.30–7pm Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
A brave and determined young advocate, model and tech pioneer who is rewriting the narrative on diversity and innovation, amongst other things, Tilly has robotic arms. Tilly has learned to embrace human augmentation and is a pioneer of robotic technology, adapting to a world that wasn’t meant for her body. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her inspiring story.
AI in Libraries: Beyond the Hype
Tuesday 5th November, 6.30–8pm, The Leeds Library
The rise of ChatGPT since 2022 triggered huge levels of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This panel discussion will go beyond the hype to explore how libraries could use AI to improve services and provide access to knowledge and culture. This event, organised by the British Library, features University Librarian Masud Khokhar and speakers from Leeds Libraries and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Literary Journeys with Tracy Chevalier
Wednesday 6th November 6–7.30pm Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
Bestselling author of eleven acclaimed novels, Tracy Chevalier transports the reader on fictional journeys through her carefully researched and skilful writing. We welcome her to Leeds to introduce her latest story The Glassmaker, to discuss her craft and the importance of reading for pleasure. Rebecca Fletcher hosts on behalf of The Queen’s Reading Room, a charity and global community on a mission to spread the joy and power of reading.
Mary-Ann Ochota presents Secret Leeds
Thursday 7th November, 5.30–7pm Laidlaw Library, University of Leeds
Hosted by TV presenter and author Mary-Ann Ochota, we welcome local history buffs to a series of short presentations and a panel discussion with local experts from the University of Leeds, West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service and Leeds Archives. Learn about the compelling secrets hidden in Leeds’ archaeology, archives and libraries and dig up ideas about how you can use these troves to bring the past to life.
Accompanying rare journeys exhibits on display – one night only!
Before the Secret Leeds event, everyone is invited to see some rare journey-themed items from the University of Leeds in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, located nearby in the Parkinson Building.
Please drop-in to the gallery between 4–5.15pm, no need to book.
Get Creative in the Makerspace!
Saturday 9th November 10am–4pm, The Library Makerspace at Edward Boyle Library
A family-friendly opportunity to express your creativity in different ways, as you are guided through the process of turning ideas into objects.
Each ‘Get Creative’ session will last for 1.5 hours, divided up into blocks of roughly 30 minutes for each project, such as badge making, stop motion animation and creating your own bookmark using a laser cutter.
Minimum age 6 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult care giver.
Libraries in Leeds
Did you know Leeds has over 50 libraries? Libraries in Leeds (LiL) is a collaborative network incorporating the libraries and archives based in the city of Leeds who deliver a unique range of services in support of the city and the people who live here.
