The Society is based in the historic Leeds Library, an independent library founded in 1768, at 18 Commercial Street, in the heart of Leeds. The Society’s library is open to members. Non-members may have access by appointment with the Society’s Librarian. Regular users would be expected to join the Society.
about the library
The Society’s library has a large collection of books and pamphlets accumulated since 1889
about the library
Members may borrow most of our books with the exception of those over 100 years old and some volumes designated for reference only. The Society’s books and pamphlets have been catalogued. Because they have been integrated with the Leeds Library’s own books of local and regional interest in the same room, helpfully details of the Society’s books can be found within the Leeds Library’s online catalogue. The Leeds Library’s books of local and regional interest from the same room can also be borrowed by our members. Click the link to the Leeds Library’s catalogue to search the collection.
Books belonging to the Society typically have classmarks such as: LL/TS, Thoresby (Reference), and Thoresby (White Label).
about the library
Access to our Library and archives is open to Members during the Leeds Library opening hours. To gain admittance ring the bell and say you are a Thoresby Society member. Non-members should contact our Librarian to arrange a convenient time to visit, which will usually be on a Wednesday morning.
The normal opening hours of the Leeds Library are:
Please check the Library website changes to these times, for example, on Bank Holidays
Over more than a century, the Society has built up a number of special collections, notably its archive, map and image collections, which have recently been re-catalogued to make them more accessible. These collections are housed in the Society’s library, based at the Leeds Library, 18 Commercial Street, Leeds LS1 6AL.
Joining the Thoresby Society offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the history and heritage of Leeds. Members enjoy exclusive access to our extensive archives, a complimentary annual publication, and a calendar of engaging talks, excursions, and events.