I refuse to pretend that I have any knowledge whatsoever about the game of chess. I once watched a…read moredocumentary about an eight-year-old Chinese girl who was humiliating scores of adults on a global scale, by mercilessly beating them. Unfortunately, I did not glean any tips from the programme, such was the speed of her moves. My Mam did attempt to teach me the rules one rainy afternoon when I was a child, but I soon lost interest, and the headache inducing Hungry Hippos made a return to the table. During the Summer months, the huge chess boards which are painted onto the ground, are often in demand. The novelty sized chess pieces make the game more visually interesting, and a large crowd is often attracted to the commotion. The characters who participate are a varied mixture of people, young and old. There is a lovely communal atmosphere to the proceedings, with strangers often engaging in a game together. Thus far, I have only been a spectator of the sport. I do not think I would be very well received if I sauntered over to the boards and casually challenged these earnest, mathematical types to a Hungry Hippos tournament. I'll just watch.

Ok, I love a good library, so I'm already biased. Really, this isn't quite what I'd count as a…read more"good" library. When I think of a good library I think of a huge library packed with more books than a person could ever hope to read. This library (at least in this location, it's possible it's spread across other buildings) does not have endless books. It has books, but it focusses on a few, small-ish sections with only a couple of themes, the most extensive of which seems to be the arts section. That makes sense, the library is housed in the same building as the art gallery (closed for work on the roof in 2016, to reopen in 2017 some time). Still, it would be nice if more options were available, but this isn't the place to go pick up the latest best seller or to find the book you need to help you finish your essay. So why is this a five star review? Because of the building. Even without being able to explore the art gallery half of it, it is incredibly beautiful inside. It's a grade II listed building that was constructed between 1878 and 1884. It's all arch ways and vaulted ceilings, the marble staircases are framed with sculptures of dogs fighting, begging and guarding the books. Beautiful tiles line the floors and walls, giving a slightly Turkish effect and exploring all of this is a real treat even if you've never really been all that fussed about books. The Leeds tapestries are also on display here, a modern series of tapestries celebrating the city and deserving of study. There's a cafe on the ground floor which looks and smells very good and is certainly popular. There's also a gift shop and with a slightly more specialised shop attached, selling paintings, sculptures and jewellery by local artists. Across several of the floors are spaces for study and learning. Don't go in expecting to borrow any book you can imagine (unless you want art books or books on family history). Go in to explore the beautiful architecture. It really is something special.

There's not too much you can say about local libraries, if you want more up-to-date or detail…read moreinformation generally you have to order from the main library in the town centre. The reason I have chosen this library to write about is because of the architecture. The stone carvings around the outside staircase are breathtakingly ornate and in good condition. They contain mythical gargoyle/falcon type creatures breathing reams of material which link the archways. There are some really ugly buildings in Armley but like this library there are also some beautiful ones, the prison is another example.

exactly what it says , a one stop center for lots of different things…read moreincluding: Registrar - For registration of births and deaths. To make an appointment please telephone 0113 2224408 Library - A new library with free access to computers and the internet as well as a wide variety of books, story tapes and talking books and a brand new children's library. Telephone 0113 395 1010. See the link to Armley library for more details. Welfare Rights - Advice surgeries for people needing help and advice with welfare benefits and rights. Surgeries are held on Fridays from 10am - 12.30pm and alternate Wednesdays from 10am - 12.30pm. Surgeries are by appointment only so please telephone 0113 214 9006 or ask a member of staff at the centre to book you an appointment. Credit Union - The Leeds City Credit Union is an organisation that provides straightforward, affordable financial services to a growing number of people in Leeds. Credit Union staff are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm. Wednesday 8.30am - 3pm. Victim Support - you can book an appointment by telephoning 0113 395 1260 for support and advice if you have been the victim of a crime. also based their is the armley branch of wnwhl ( armley housing office) lovley , clean, warm , freindly environment with clean public toilets has great disabled facilities & a lift

If you want to know the history of the old town of Stalybridge then the library is one place on…read moreyour list. Originally known as Astley Cheethams Library, it stocks old newspapers and history books about the town. One of the grandest buildings in Stalybridge, it itself is steeped in history, so why not go down and have a look. You can research old lords and ladies and even read up on the cotton industry in the nineteenth century that dominated Stalybridge and other neighbouring towns. The library also houses the locals art gallery which has permanent fixtures as well as fresh exhibitions. The library is great for local schools to visit and spend a few hours learning more about the town they live in as well as participating in the gallery exhibition. Go and see a magnificent building and learn something while you are there!

All libraries should be like this. I almost wish they didn't have a computer room now. Some things…read moreshould stay just as they were. The building is gorgeous and most importantly OLD and those swingy things that they use to count people in and out really do bring back memories of my childhood. For a public library, they have a really good selection of fiction with a cute kid's section. They also have a pretty respectable lot of records and newspaper archives where you can pretend to pay detective or something. The Astley Cheethams gallery (one of a surprisingly large number in the area) has a good amount of old school watercolours and the room itself, which is upstairs from the library itself, is really dark and moody. They usually have a few choice items for sale as well - I wouldnt really call it a gift shop but you know what I mean..

Great little library situated in the centre of Bramley. The stock a really good range of books for…read morethe size of the building. They also have computers which you can use for the internet and word processing etc. They have papers delivered everyday so you can always go and sit in the chairs and read the paper if it takes your fancy! The staff are nice and friendly and will help you find what book you are looking (Even if you don't know the name or author of the book!).

my daughter loves visiting this library. it's everything 'bellytimber' said & more for the kids…read more they hold little story time events in the holidays, my daughter went to an easter one where they told stories & did easter themed crafts & games. then she realy enjoied hearing some animal themed stories another time & meeting the real life versions, she met butterflies & held ginie pigs & a snake. my daughter is 9 & there were older & younger , even toddlers there & the staff are well able to involve all ages. over 8's can stay on their own but parents are welcome to stay & join in it's better fun that way. just look out for the posters in the library & other local libraries.

This library built me. Made me the person I am. I remember coming here after school everyday after…read moregetting dropped off by the 621 bus. Coming from Nabwood Grammar. A great large iconic building with so many floors and resources, this was a real library. All kinds of colourful characters would visit. Students, professors, retirees, vagrants, and families would be here. The ground floor inremmebr where people would scavenge for the daily newspapers. And all fiction books where I would get my first taste of Stephen King. Can tee had homemade sandwiches plus snacks and jacket potatoes were good and affordable. But the 5th floor was my spot. The reference floor where students would come and study. With its large tall windows bringing great light into the building and vast views of Bradford City. Such a shame this building is no more. I don't live in Bradford anymore but memories still linger and there will always be a special place of this library in my heart.

Bradford's main library isn't exactly entirely trad: walk into the reception seating 'n' eating…read morearea and you might think it's a social club - packed, chatty and really a little noisy, somewhat short of becardiganed ladies in flyaway spectacles saying 'Shhh!'. But its facilities are pretty cool: all your fiction, reference and research needs are catered to. There are regular library sales which are both cheap and eclectic, great for picking up some intriguing vintage bargains (that look cool on your Ikea bookshelves). Multiple floors, decent loos, nice and warm in winter and a ton of info available on local news and events, a good children's section and that great retro 70s architecture. Pretty damn good if you ask me.

There's a lot to like about this particular library. Firstly, it has ample parking (this doesn't…read moresound like much but on Town Street, any business with it's own parking is a thing of beauty). On top of this, the old building itself is quite pleasing on the eye, something you don't often get with libraries - you could be forgiven for thinking this was a museum or a small town hall. Inside the library itself, there is also plenty to shout about (unfortunately you can't shout at all as it's a library) - the reading section has huge glass windows which let in plenty of natural light which somehow makes reading a more pleasurable experience. There is an impressive selection of literature, old and new, classic and soon-to-be classic, as well a child's section, and of course, all the daily papers. All in all, it's a library that will definitely serve you well time and again, and provide you with a reading environment which puts most of the other Leeds City council libraries to shame. Highly recommended.

This local library is a huge asset to Horsforth. It is a venue that has a lovely atmosphere and a…read morereal buzz of activity. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and have a great attitude. I love going there and really appreciate the facility it gives us.

Not nearly as grand as its bigger, cooler brother, the Leeds Central Library, the Burley Library…read moresimilarly lacks any of the special touches that make it more than just a place to get books. There are no special events, no huge collections of DVDs and CDs and no trendy rooms filled with computers and graphic novels aimed at bringing in the younger generation. What there is, however, is books; thousands of them, mostly fiction, all arranged in a chaotic fashion which makes little sense but makes browsing interesting. Because they're not distracted by hosting launches or teaching web design, the staff here seem to actually know a fair bit about books, too. The choice isn't as large as at some other libraries, but it's a handy resource for those who live nearby and don't want to trek into town.

Poor Burley Library. It's covered in graffiti, and stuck next to a dilapidated old warehouse, also…read morecovered in graffiti, and it doesn't open until 11am or something, so nobody ever goes there. The sad thing is, the building is beautiful. All polished dark wood and high ceilings, but the weird entry system does my nut in. Do I go in the left or right? Why is that woman not letting me get past? Do I have to get my hand stamped or something? Not a great selection of books, although I was after a Paul McKenna self-help one once (yup, it's true), and Headingley didn't have it but this one did. I couldn't find it when I got there, like, because the layout doesn't make sense, and there were four scratty looking kids chucking pens all over the floor. I know it's not a great library, but the staff could do with a bit of cheering up. I mentioned that I was glad they don't have that new scanny self-issue machine like at Headingley, and the guy said 'No , we'll prolly be getting closed down anyway' all sad like. Maybe do something productive to make the library nicer, eh? Then people would come! And get some books! Rant over.

This is a very friendly little village library with a good layout and disabled access.As well as…read morethe actual library, the building houses a community hall, which hosts various events including the primary school library quiz, which the library supports. The library section is quite small compared with Drury Lane library, and does have less books - we had to change libraries when I was 9 because I'd read all the childrens' books in Stanley library! Having said that, I was an avid reader and we used to visit every week - there is a good selection for such a small library, and many of the books were very up to date. They also have a good adult selection.