Ilkley Library

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Bradford MDC

Ilkley is a town with strong ties to literary art. Their literature festival attracts hundreds of avid readers and occasional book buyers alike. At the heart of this culture of valuing the written word is Ilkley Library. Their passion for bringing as much depth and variety as possible in the literature they bring to the public is a testament to the friendly staff who run the Library.

Ilkley Library often hosts events. These include poetry or book readings, Q&A sessions with authors as well as talks on new publications. For the budding writers in the audience the Library has previously run workshops with writers, allowing those who are new to the artform to develop their craft.

Nearly 3000 people ordering and collecting books

Since the pandemic, Ilkley Library has joined together with other Bradford district libraries to supply a hugely successful ‘order and collect’ book service. This initiative allows people to order books from the Library by phone, which are then picked up at an agreed time slot. The scheme was so popular they had nearly 3000 people ordering and collecting books within the first few weeks.

Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the Library’s large fiction, non-fiction and children’s sections. The Library building is attached to Ilkley Town Hall. Both are now Grade II listed and have been at the heart of Ilkley since the first stone was laid in 1906. You can see the original stonework on the front entrance which is indicative of the prominent place the Library has held within the community for centuries.

Station RoadIlkleyLS29 8HA View map
Telephone: 01943436225 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Friday9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Ilkley Library

Jazmine Linklater
LiteratureBradford
More Song at The 1 in 12 Club Library

At Bradford’s number-one live lit night with invited guests, the autumn season closes by welcoming Jazmine Linklater, Nell Osborne, David Mullin and Edwina Attlee.

free entry

Where to go near Ilkley Library

Grove bookshop
Ilkley
Shop
Grove Bookshop

Grove Bookshop has been an integral part of Ilkely town centre for decades, feeding the town’s enthusiasm for literature.

Ilkley
Bed & Breakfast
The Crescent Inn

The Crescent Inn is a comfortable and cosy, pub style bed and breakfast that takes pride in championing local goods.

Ilkley
Cinema
Ilkley Cinema

Ilkley Cinema combines relaxed and sociable spaces, state of the art screening technology, and a great programme of indies.

Bradford
Theatre
Ilkley Playhouse

The Playhouse has a well established season of productions, also used as a venue for events, including the popular Ilkley Literature Festival.

Bradford
Gallery
Tinker Gallery

Ilkley’s contemporary art gallery, set up by artist Joanne Tinker, is a studio space in combination with a gallery.

Ilkley Manor House
Ilkley
Museum
Ilkley Manor House

Visit the collection of Roman artefacts in one of the oldest buildings in Yorkshire, or host a particularly special occasion at Ilkley Manor House.

Ilkley
Restaurant
The Box Tree Restaurant

The Box Tree has been a vital step in many top chef’s careers, and with two Michelin stars to its name you can expect a meal to remember.

Ilkley
The Riverside Hotel

A superb, picturesque riverside setting, en suite rooms, bar and restaurant, The Riverside Hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the moors.

Ilkley Lido
Ilkley
Ilkley Lido

Incorporating a tennis courts and a bowling green, Ilkley Lido is a grade II listed outdoor pool, with a stunning view of the moors.

Ilkley
Hotel
The Wheatley Arms

Standing in the leafy village of Ben Rhydding, the Wheatley Arms offers fantastic contemporary accommodation in a traditional Yorkshire inn.

Culture Guides