Music Library and BIPC Leeds

Central Library in Leeds is on a mission to restore the Grade II* listed building and update the services offered to better meet the needs of contemporary and future users. BIPC Leeds was the first to be upgraded, turning a series of research and meeting rooms on the second floor into a city centre business hub. This was followed by a transformation of the first floor Music Library into a dynamic and collaborative space designed to provide opportunities to learn, listen, record, and play. Opening the Book have been consultants, designers and suppliers since 2020 through all the stages of concept development, funding bids, decisions on building works, layout designs and colour schemes as well as delivery of the final schemes. We are looking forward to fitting out the long-awaited new-look lending library on the ground floor in 2026.

Music Library

The new Music Library features state-of-the-art facilities, including walk-in recording studios, pianos and other instruments, as well as podcasting equipment, all free for public use. Opening the Book’s layout design facilitates a regular programme of events and workshops, from song writing to open mic events and opportunities to drop in and play instruments. The recording studios are kitted out with instruments, microphones, and computers that can be used to record songs and podcasts and host instrument taster sessions.

We worked closely with library managers and the Music Librarian to plan how to showcase the collection of the largest music library in the north of England, including musical biographies, guidebooks, songbooks, sheet music and much more. Lending of multiple sets of vocal and orchestral scores to music societies has expanded to create an offer across the country. Custom deep shelving for large scores in the smaller rooms shows the range available as single titles, with tables to pull out the large volumes to look at; once a decision is made on which set to borrow, a request is put in so that multiple copies can be collected.

The new resources are truly transformative – with a wide range of professional digital music equipment and instruments, the library can ensure that enjoying, making and listening to music is accessible for everyone in Leeds.

The project was supported by Art Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund and by Leeds City Council.

BIPC Leeds

Leeds was one of the first of a growing national network of Business and Intellectual Property Centres supported by The British Library in public libraries across the country. This was the first area to be transformed in the new programme, supported with funding from DCMS, The British Library and Leeds City Council.

The old information library has become a light and airy space with a dynamic ambience similar to commercial co-working tech spaces but with free access to business resources and staff support. The layout makes the most of the large windows and mixes Creator tables, designed by Opening the Book, with window benches and A-frame sit-stand tables, to offer a variety of styles for study, research and informal networking, plus high-back seats and comfortable sofas to take a break. There is access to power everywhere with fixed pcs for database searching and power units for bring-your-own-device. The space is completed with new shelving and slatwall for business books, magazines and leaflets plus space for graphics, displays and secure cabinets to showcase the work of successful local businesses who have used the facilities. Streamed presentations for 30 people take place without moving any furniture; we also fitted in a fully-equipped private meeting room for up to 10 people and two smaller confidential one-to-one meeting pods.

The smaller room next door has been converted into an agile space for co-working and small meetings as well as workshops like the current breakfast club. Laptops are provided for use, all tables have power and Nook Pods have new data connections as well as power. A wall-mounted screen is convenient for shared presentation and learning. A further small room houses fixed computers with large screens for complex work or to share for tutorials or working together.

Opening the Book provided new signage throughout the building to signpost the new areas.