A Guide to the Libraries of the Uni of Leeds
Starting university can be daunting, so knowing exactly where to go and what to do in terms of study spaces and resources would, no doubt, be extremely helpful. This is your guide to the University’s libraries — the facilities and resources they have, and the type of study spaces they offer to you.
Read our ‘revision without walls’ blog to find out about all the best outside spaces around campus to study (when it’s sunny), or our blog on cafes near campus if cafes are more your scene.
First of all, you should know that there are four libraries located on the campus:
- Edward Boyle Library
- Laidlaw Library
- Brotherton Library
- Health Science Library
Edward Boyle (aka Eddy B)
Edward Boyle is the largest library, located in the middle of campus. It has six levels, all full of study spaces. As you walk into the library, you are on level 9. There is one level below, level 8, and four levels above where you can access group study spaces, silent study areas, computers, printers and water fountains.
All floors are available to any students, apart from level 13 (the final level), which is available only to postgraduate students. Level 13 is home to multiple spaces, as well as independent study rooms and group study spaces. You can also find a range of subject books in this library — if you are looking for a specific book, make sure to check on the library website.
The Edit Room is also located in Edward Boyle, where you can study or grab a bite to eat. You might be pleased to know that this library also has a well-being area, where you can relax if you are feeling a little overwhelmed.
Laidlaw
Laidlaw Library is the most modern library located on campus, on the side closest to the city centre. It has four floors (ground level, level 1, 2 and 3), where you will find silent study areas located behind the glass doors at the back of the library, group study areas, prayer rooms, computers, printers and water fountains. You can have a quiet natter in all spaces of the library, other than the silent study areas and level 3.
Every library has accessibility rooms available, but the ones in Laidlaw can be found on the ground floor in front of reception and on level 1 and level 2.
Laidlaw Library is mainly known as the undergraduate library because it predominantly contains core texts for undergraduates. Nevertheless, it still has many books available to all. It also has a public area in front of the library, where you can find Cafe Nero. If you are looking for a place to study with your friends, or enjoy more of a busy working environment, Laidlaw is the library for you.
Brotherton
Brotherton Library is no doubt the most beautiful library on campus. It is located at the heart of the Parkinson Building, just through the two sets of double doors. Brotherton is probably the least simplistic library to navigate due to its unique circular shape (I have gotten lost for a brief second a few times). However, the more time you spend there, the more used to it you’ll get!
As you enter the library, you are on the main floor, and there are two levels below and one level above. On the main floor, you can also find the West Building, which is just a more modern section of the Brotherton Library. It is also the only place in the library where you can carry out group study and have a quiet chat as the rest of the library is silent study only! Books, journals etc. are available for multiple subjects. However, Brotherton is more catered to materials of humanities.
Postgraduate students also have the ability to hire out individual rooms in this library for a prolonged period of time. If you would like more information about this, head to the library website or ask a member of staff when you visit! If you are looking for a quieter study space where you can get your head down and crack on with work, Brotherton is the perfect place for you!
The Health Sciences Library
This is definitely the smallest library of them all and is located inside the Worsley building. Once you enter the Worsley building, there are signs pointing you in the direction of Health Sciences. It tends to be the go-to study place for students studying medicine (as it mainly contains books for medicine students), nevertheless, the library is available to all. It is majority silent study, other than the large room on the left where group study is available. There are also a couple of study rooms and teaching rooms which are available to book in this library. Health Sciences is a great place to study, but be aware that spaces do fill up quickly!
To use the libraries, you will need your student card to enter and exit the building. If you forget it on that day, you can print a day ticket off using the machine located near the reception desk, but be aware that this ticket will be valid for one day. You will also need your student card to take out any books so make sure you have it! If you need any help, the staff at the reception desk are always super happy to help.
Visit the library website to find where each library is on campus and to view opening hours.
Written by Holly Phillips
