About LiL

Libraries in Leeds (LiL)  is a collaborative network incorporating the libraries and archives based in the city of Leeds who deliver a unique range of services in support of the city’s key priorities.

History of Libraries in Leeds

The LiL network, through its unique range of facilities, expertise and resources delivers exemplary information, cultural and digital for local communities, visitors to the city and researchers from all over the world.

Members in the network first met pre-pandemic and discovered that although they operated in different sectors across the city they had much in common and lot to learn from each other. It was also recognised that the city of Leeds had much to gain if this Network  worked collaboratively and shared best practice.

In October 2022 an inaugural meeting was held in Leeds Central Library to discuss the vision for this umbrella group of professionals whose expertise and knowledge serves many sectors across the city. Since then the Network has developed and created opportunities for its members to connect, share knowledge and support each other.

An inaugural festival took place across various city-centre venues in September 2023 and work is underway to create more public-facing events in 2024. LiL continues to offer CPD opportunities for its members whose Heads of Service congregate every 3 months.

Governance of the LiL Network

The Libraries in Leeds network is led by an elected steering group that is currently chaired by Richard Hart. The steering group meets regularly and is governed by the Network’s Terms of Reference.

To view a copy of this document please click on this button. Terms of Reference

Current members of the 2024-26 steering group, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows:

  • Andy Appleyard, Senior Director of Operations (North) and Commercial at the British Library
  • Louise Crossley, Collections Manager at the Thackray Museum of Medicine
  • Richard Hart, Chief Librarian at Leeds Libraries
  • Stuart Ivinson, Librarian at the Royal Armouries
  • Teresa Nixon, Heritage Manager at the West Yorkshire Archive Service
  • Andrew Oakes, Senior Knowledge and Evidence Lead at the Department of Health and Social Care.
  • Josh Sendall, Acting University Librarian & Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds

If you would like to contribute to the development of the Libraries in Leeds network please get in touch using our Contact page.

Josh Sendall

Josh is an executive library leader with responsibility for the University’s Libraries, Collections and Galleries. He leads the development and delivery of services across a large and diverse physical and digital estate, working with colleagues across the Libraries to support learning, research, and cultural engagement.

Teresa Nixon

Teresa is Head of Heritage at West Yorkshire Joint Services. An archivist with over 25 years’ experience in local authority archive services, Teresa manages West Yorkshire Archive Service, Archaeology Advisory and Ecology.

Stuart Ivinson

Stuart is the Librarian at the Royal Armouries, the UK’s National Museum of Arms and Armour.

Andrew Oakes

Andrew Oakes

Andrew is the Senior Knowledge and Evidence Lead at The Department of Health and Social Care. As part of The Knowledge Centre Leeds-based team he supports colleagues in their use of evidence in policy making by providing access to resources and conducting literature searches.

Louise Crossley

Louise is a Collections Manager with over 15 years’ experience of working with museum collections. She currently oversees a collection of 45,000 objects, 27,000 books and catalogues and approximately 10,000 archival items at the Thackray Museum of Medicine.

Richard Hart

Richard is the manager who has Chief Librarian responsibilities for Leeds Libraries. With over 25 years’ experience at Leeds City Council and 15 years with the public library service, Richard currently supports Leeds Central Library and its specialist departments, as well as managing the HQ functions supporting the service city-wide.

Andy Appleyard

Andy is Senior Director of Operations (North) and Commercial at the British Library. He also oversees the Library’s £100 million development programme at its Yorkshire site, which includes the construction of a third high-density, automated, low-oxygen print storage repository, scheduled for completion in summer 2026.