The library was opened in December 1939 on the site of an old farm at one time owned by John Wilson of Seacroft.

Designed by local architect Charles Castelow and named after Percival Leigh, former Lord Mayor of Leeds and chairman of the Libraries and Arts Committees, the library was regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind, not just in Britain but world wide.

To commemorate the opening and celebrate the years of service the library has provided to the area, ELHAS and Library Services have combined to offer a week long series of events starting on Saturday 12th December.

The complete programme is as follows:

Sat 12th December
10.30am – 11.00am Children's Quiz &
Colouring Competition
11.00am – 12.00 noon 'Bob's your Uncle '
Entertainer & Magician
12.00 noon – 1.00pm Buffet Lunch
1.00pm – 2.00.pm David Owens Talk
'History on our Doorstep'
Mon 14th December
5.45pm – 7.00pm Local Author talk
Frances McNeil
Tues 15th December 2.00pm – 3.00pm Illustrated talk by
Jacki & Bob Lawrence 'Cross Gates
Past & Present'
Wed 16th December
11.00am – 11.30am Carol Concert by
Pupils of Manston St James School
6.00pm – 7.00pm Local Crime Author Talk
Robert Barnard

Thurs 17th December
2.00pm – 4.00pm Family History Drop-In
Session led by Bob Lawrence
Fri 18th December

Illustrated talk by Michele Lefevre
'Life in Leeds during WW11'
Sat 19th December
11.00 – 12.00 noon Saturdads Club
Dads & Under5's Festive Fun

All of the above events will take place in the library.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy during the week, so please come along and join in the fun. We would be especially delighted to welcome former staff members and any one who used the library during its very early years.

Details of all the above programme are listed in a leaflet available from the library.

For more information on the history of the library please see issue 14 of 'The Leeds History Journal' available in the Library .