They provide a fascinating insight into a life at a community library in Leeds during the 1970s. The images were all taken inside Calverley County Library on Thornhill Street when its first opened in the west Leeds village back in September 1973. The purpose-built library replaced the previous one which was housed inside the Mechanics Institute also on Thornhill Street. They are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 13 photos of Farsley through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Calverley County Library
The counter is in the centre where two members of staff are working. The non-fiction books are shelved around the walls and free standing bookshelves display the adult fiction. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Calverley County Library
Two members of staff are working at the modern counter and the non-fiction book stock is arranged around the walls. Adult fiction is shelved in free standing bookcases. In the foreground there is comfortable seating and a low table for library users. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Calverley County Library
A member of staff poses with a book on a carpeted seating area for children. This arrangement would be suitable for a small audience of young library users at story times. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Calverley County Library
Until 1974 Calverley County Library was part of West Riding County Council. After which the Library Service including 67 branch libraries and five mobile libraries came under the administration of Leeds City Council. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Calverley Library
A notice on the door advertises a 'Book Sale Now On' in this photo taken in 1996. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net