Shsssh! Quiet please. These wonderful photos are sure to evoke memories for a generation of book worms. They take you inside Leeds Central Library during the 1970s. Different aspects of library life are featured with the Reference Library and Music Library in focus as well as the reading room in the Commercial and Technical Library. The photos also provide a fascinating behind the scenes look with staff pictured working the various departments including cataloguing, binding and book acquisitions. The images 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: Lost city centre landmarks - The Leeds Skywalk LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds Central Library
Looking from the gallery down to the Reference Library on the second floor of Leeds Central Library. This room is on the south side of the building and fronts onto The Headrow. Many people are seated at the long desks studying or reading. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds Central Library
The public counter in the Central lending Library on the ground floor of Leeds Central Library. The mezzanine of the Music Library can be seen to the right. Pictured circa 1977. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds Central Library
Reading room in the Commercial and Technical Library, nearly all available seats are taken. This room now houses the Tiled Hall Cafe. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds Central Library
A photo from 1977 to mark the retirement of Mary Pedley, seen in the centre. Her brother Alan Pedley was a long serving member of Leeds City Council. This was taken in the Acquisitions department, where incoming new book stocks were processed. On the left is Marion Hartley, next Geoff Barrett, who was department manager. To the right of Miss Pedley is Barbara Hopper, then Maureen Hunter, then Josie Gooch. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds Central Library
A view is looking north across the Central Lending Library, on the ground floor of Leeds Central Library. The windows in the background front onto Alexander Street. Library customers are browsing shelves and a gentleman is seated in the foreground reading a book. Pictured circa 1977. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds Central Library
Library staff member Allan Beaumont working in the Binding Department. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net