✍️ Writing and Literature in Leeds
Leeds boasts a thriving literary culture, offering a wealth of opportunities for readers, writers, and literature enthusiasts. From historic libraries and independent bookshops to vibrant writing groups and literary events, the city is a haven for anyone passionate about the written word.
On this page:
👉 Click here to view all of these locations on a Google map
Bookshops
🎨 Colours May Vary
Offering books on art, design, and culture, along with quirky gifts and stationery, this shop is perfect for creatives.
📍 The Corn Exchange, Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR
👉 Colours May Vary website
🛥️ Holdfast Books
A unique bookshop on a boat! Located in a former coal barge, Hold Fast stocks all kinds of genres and is able to order most books on request.
📍 Leeds Dock, Leeds LS10 1JB
👉 Holdfast Books website
📖 OK Comics
A beloved indie comic shop in Leeds city centre, OK Comics offers a curated selection of comics, graphic novels, and manga. Known for its knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19 Thornton's Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LQ
👉 OK Comics website
📚 Philip Howard Books
A long-standing independent bookshop offering new and second-hand books in a wide range of genres.
📍 47 Street Lane, Leeds LS8 1AP
👉 Philip Howard Books on Facebook
🌈 The Bookish Type
A queer indie bookshop celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and authors. A welcoming and inclusive space for all readers.
📍 77a Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR
👉 The Bookish Type website
📖 The Bookshop on the Square
An independent bookshop in the beautiful market town of Otley selling all genres, cards and stationery.
📍 28 Market Pl, Otley LS21 3AQ
👉 The Bookshop on the Square website
📘 The Little Bookshop
Nestled in Chapel Allerton, this charming shop specializes in children’s books and frequently hosts family-friendly events.
📍 47 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD
👉 The Little Bookshop website
📚 Truman Books
An inviting independent bookshop in Farsley, featuring a carefully chosen selection of books and hosting community events.
📍 95 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX
👉 Truman Books website
🖼️ Village
Specializing in art, design, and culture, Village Books offers a curated selection of books, zines, and magazines.
📍 10 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds LS1 6LQ
👉 Village Books website
📖 Waterstones
Waterstones Leeds is a haven for book lovers, including those with a passion for comic books and manga. The store boasts a diverse selection of graphic novels, popular manga series, and art books.
📍 93-97 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5JS
👉 Waterstones Leeds website
Libraries
📖 Leeds Central Library
This architectural gem combines modern library services with a stunning Victorian building. It houses the Art Library, Local and Family History Library, and a wealth of resources for readers.
📍 Calverley St, Leeds LS1 3AB
👉 Leeds Central Library website
📘 The Henry Moore Institute Research Library
For art enthusiasts and researchers, this library focuses on sculpture studies, with a vast archive of photographs, manuscripts, and publications.
📍 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH
👉 Henry Moore Institute Library website
📚 The Leeds Library
Founded in 1768, The Leeds Library is the oldest surviving subscription library in the UK. Its beautiful Georgian interior and extensive collection make it a haven for book lovers and researchers.
📍 18 Commercial St, Leeds LS1 6AL
👉 The Leeds Library website
📖 The Library at the University of Leeds
Home to one of the UK’s leading academic libraries, it features specialized collections, including the Brotherton Library’s rare books and manuscripts.
📍 University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT
👉 University of Leeds Library website
📚 Local Branch Libraries
Leeds has numerous community libraries offering books, free Wi-Fi, and local events. Popular branches include Chapel Allerton, Headingley, and Armley libraries.
👉 Leeds Libraries website
Poetry Groups and Events
🔥 Bone Down
A literary affinity group hosting poetry open mics, socials, and collaborations with other Leeds-based communities.
👉 Bone Down Linktree
🌟 Chapel FM Poetry Events
Chapel FM is dedicated to nurturing local talent and bringing poetry to East Leeds by hosting regular poetry-focused events.
👉 Chapel FM Poetry Events
🎙️ Chelping Poetry Open Mic
Set in the atmospheric surroundings of the historic Leeds Library, Chelping is a celebration of contemporary poetry, featuring leading writers and open mic slots.
👉 Chelping Poetry Open Mic
🧪 Chemistry Poetry Events
A long-running series of poetry nights offering a space for established and emerging poets to perform.
👉 Chemistry Poetry Facebook
🎤 Leeds Poetry Festival
An annual festival celebrating poetry with a range of events, workshops, and performances featuring local and national poets.
👉 Leeds Poetry Festival Facebook
📚 National Poetry Centre
Planned to open in 2027, the National Poetry Centre will serve as a hub for poetry research, teaching, and public engagement in Leeds.
👉 National Poetry Centre Website
📜 Otley Stanza Poetry Group
An Otley based group for poets to share their work, offer feedback, and explore new styles. Part of The Poetry Society’s Stanza network.
👉 Otley Stanza Website
🎶 Soundbites Poetry
A regular night featuring a guest poet alongside an open mic, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
👉 Soundbites Poetry Facebook
✏️ Wordspace Leeds
A regular open mic event in Horsforth.
👉 Wordspace Leeds Facebook
Writing Groups and Events
✍️ Ghostwriters
A laid-back group for all kinds of writers who want to dedicate an hour a week to quiet writing time with no obligation to share work.
👉 Ghostwriters info here
✍️ Hyde Park Book Club Creative Writing Sessions
This popular venue for arts and culture hosts regular creative writing events, offering a relaxed space for writers to share ideas and hone their craft.
👉 Hyde Park Book Club website
📚 Ilkley Literature Festival
A short train ride from Leeds, Ilkley Literature Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running literary festivals, featuring talks, workshops, and performances by acclaimed authors.
👉 Ilkley Literature Festival website
📖 Leeds Lit Fest
An annual celebration of literature in Leeds, featuring events in libraries, community spaces, and cultural venues across the city. Expect a mix of readings, performances, and discussions.
👉 Leeds Lit Fest website
🖋️ Leeds Writers and Poets
A community for writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts in Leeds. They organize events, workshops, and meetups to share work, hone skills, and celebrate creative expression.
👉 Leeds Writers and Poets Website
✍️ Leeds Writers Circle
Founded in 1928, Leeds Writers Circle provides a supportive environment for writers of a variety of genres. The group meets regularly to share work, offer feedback, and provide encouragement.
👉 Leeds Writers Circle website
🖋️ Leeds Writing Meetup
A friendly and inclusive group for writers of all kinds, from novelists to bloggers. The meetup offers opportunities for networking, writing workshops, and supportive critique sessions.
👉 Leeds Writing Meetup Website
📚 The Big Bookend
The Big Bookend is a non-profit organisation that supports literature in Leeds through notable festivals and events such as the Northern Short Story Festival. It champions local authors and provides a platform for emerging voices, making it a cornerstone of the Leeds literary scene.
👉 The Big Bookend website
Would you like to add an activity or location to this list? Spot any errors? Provide feedback? Contact me!