'A magical second home': Why YEP readers believe Leeds libraries are more important than ever

In an increasingly digital age, the quiet sanctuary of the local library is more precious than ever.

At the Yorkshire Evening Post, our ongoing Leeds Reads campaign has consistently championed the power of literacy and focused on the vital importance of our local libraries.

These spaces are not just buildings with bookshelves; they are community lifelines.

With local government budgets under pressure across the country, public facilities are constantly facing scrutiny - but to the people who use them, the value of a library cannot be measured solely on a spreadsheet or as a mere metric.

We asked our readers on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page to share why Leeds libraries still matter to them, and their answers reveal that far from being outdated, these spaces are essential for education, mental health, and social connection.

Fuelling young minds and critical thinking

For many readers, libraries are the front line in the battle to protect children's attention spans and foster genuine, deep learning in a world dominated by screens.

Reader Jane Mansfield highlighted how early library visits set the foundation for a lifetime of learning, noting that they "help develop a love of books in the young, increasing critical thinking, knowledge, and attention span."

Tracey Wallis agreed, urging decision-makers to protect these spaces: "They help develop a love of books, knowledge, and fantasy," she said. "Critical thinking, imagination, empathy, love, and compassion - the world still needs these instead of AI and computers.

“We need to stop councils closing them."

This sentiment was echoed by Timothy Adam, who pointed out that "developing imagination fuels creativity and invention.”

At the same time, Pat Walker added that "books are full of knowledge and critical thought, and the world of books is good."

Indeed, the physical library offers a depth of study that online search engines struggle to replicate.

Reader Donny Ged noted that "knowledge is vital for critical thought," which prompted Katherine Allsopp to share a recent exchange she had with a university student.

"She was preparing for her degree thesis and said that she found all she needed online," Katherine explained. "But what she was doing was actually reading pre-digested material. In a library, reading around her subject and finding unexpected sources, she would have learnt a lot more and written a much more interesting thesis."

A lifeline against isolation

Beyond education, readers repeatedly pointed out that libraries play a massive, quiet role in tackling the UK’s loneliness epidemic.

They are safe, warm, and entirely free spaces where anyone is welcome.

"They are a very important social hub, especially for the elderly or lonely," said Liz Rushton. "A young parent can pop along for a while to share books and play with their young child in a different environment.

“Libraries are safe and peaceful places where we can escape and just browse."

Former library worker Tyreece Smith has seen this impact first-hand: "I used to work in a library," they shared. "They have a limited impact on literacy, but a larger impact on being a safe space for those who don't have a lot.

“Somewhere for the lost and the lonely to find a friend."

For others, the magic lies in the simple, risk-free joy of discovery - and the people who make it possible.

"You can get the latest books to read for free, and if you don't like them, there's no waste," wrote Helen Lou. "Also, you can try books you wouldn't normally read. But one of the things that has lasted through the years is the kindness of librarians, making it feel like a second home.

“Libraries are magical."

Ultimately, as Aileen Barrass simply put it: "We still need what they provide."

As our Leeds Reads campaign continues, the message from Leeds residents is clear: our libraries are non-negotiable, and they must be protected for generations to come.