Armley Library: Inside the historic centre of study and activity that has inspired generations
It would seem that working in a library is one of the most satisfying jobs going.
At least that’s the impression I got after speaking to staff at Armley Library this week, where creating a thriving and welcoming environment for the community is at the heart of what they do.
One member of staff has been a fixture among the book shelves for over 30 years (a tendency common at most libraries, I’m told) while two members of senior staff said that it was their “dream job”.
The enthusiasm of the staff spreads to the visitors too, with daily attendee Daniel Klatkiewicz saying that rediscovering his love of libraries and reading has helped turn his life around.
We visited the historic Stocks Hill site this week to get into the alcoves and learn more following the launch of our Leeds Reads Campaign, which aims to get the city reading and back among these “magical places”.
Libraries across Leeds are already making the most of the National Year of Reading with events and campaigns, but our inspiration came after visiting Armley Library for the unveiling of the blue plaque in memory of Barbara Taylor Bradford.
The ‘Woman Of Substance’ author was a regular as a child and developed her unquenchable love of reading within the walls.
The plaque has now been given pride of place outside of the astounding Grade II listed building, which opened as part of a Sunday School in 1902 and remains the city’s oldest purpose built library.
History and intrigue permeate throughout, with a quote committed to the walls from Taylor Bradford’s friend and fellow Armley Library alumni Alan Bennett.
Having visited my local library regularly while growing up and finding the process of picking books, tapes and videos to borrow timeless, speaking to senior librarian Jude Ramm and team leader Caron Skeete made me question how or why I ever grew out of it.
The duo both described the joy and awe they experienced from spending time in libraries while growing up, which made them want to work in the field in the future.
Jude said that working at Armley Library was particularly special, saying: “It feels very much like a library. It’s hard to describe.
“I think it’s because of the age of the building and having the library all in one room. The flooring and clock has been here for decades. And it’s nice to know that if you sit here you are in the same space as someone’s who’s been here a long time ago.”
Caron said that she grew up visiting Chapel Allerton library with her mum, saying: “It was back when you used to have to be very quiet. I wanted a job because I loved the idea of stamping the cards and filing the books away.
“When I came here I used to shush people and I had to be told that it wasn’t like that anymore.”
They said that visitor numbers have not dipped over the years, despite the decrease of reading generally, but still urged anyone who may no longer think to visit their library to pop down.
“It’s amazing”, said Jude. “You hear interviews with authors and they say how the time spent in libraries and books they read influenced them. And it still happens now.
“It’s great seeing people disappearing in to a book. We know how great it is in particular for young children in building empathy and imagination and problem solving.
“Just come in and visit us. If you are not sure what you want to read just come and ask or browse. There’s always someone and there’s no judgement.”
Caron said: “During the day it’s quite busy. There’s not many places in times like this you can get the space to do research and keep warm and have a hot drink all for free. This is a safe space they can do that.”
They also explained how Armley Library has been offering more and more services in the last two decades, particularly since a major extension was added in 2002 and officially opened by Taylor Bradford.
Council, finance, employment and even maternity support is offered by organisations who are now stationed from the library.
Caron said that this has brought more people into the centre and got them back into reading. She said: “You can come and register a birth or sort your council tax or get ready for an interview and then hang out for free.
“These are things that can be quite stressful but when you’re coming into a library you know you’re always going to be greeted by friendly faces.”
There’s also all manner of activities and events to engage the community and get them through the doors and interacting.
Jude said: “For International Women’s Day we had zine making, a lady teaching people to sew and children’s activities. And a couple of weeks ago there was Leeds Storytelling Festival.
“For every age there’s something happening in libraries. It’s busy but calm.”
The staff are sometimes faced with situations in Armley that they can’t prepare for, such as helping people in a state of crisis.
Jude said: “It’s really important. People will come in because they desperately need some help.
“People trust libraries.”
Among those that have benefitted from the library service in Armley are Daniel Klatiewicz, who said that coming for a hot drink and to read have helped him overcome his agoraphobia and other mental health issues.
He now volunteers with charities associated with the library, adding: “I started coming because I felt connections.
“It was full of nice people who talk to you like you’re a real human being. The staff go above and beyond.
“I think without this library there would be a lot more people in more distress. You can see the smiles on peoples’ faces when they come in.
“I love it.”