Temple Newsam engraving celebrated as Leeds celebrates climate and nature

Libraries in Leeds are displaying books celebrating nature and climate action this week in a bid to inspire a new chapter in the city’s sustainability story. As part of Green Libraries Week, titles offering everything from top gardening tips, environmentally friendly recipes and information about the climate emergency will be among the Green Reads on show at libraries and community hubs across the city. Stats compiled by Leeds Libraries show the city’s library users have saved more than 2,550,000kg from their carbon footprints over the past year by borrowing rather than buying books- the equivalent of 1,300 flights from Leeds to New York. Now the service wants to offer visitors even more practical tips, guidance and facts about how everyone can do their bit to help the planet. The new Green Reads displays are part of a series of activities and events taking place throughout the week highlighting how libraries and their visitors can play their part. A collection of historic images showcasing the beauty of the city’s parks through the years will also showcase the importance of local green spaces during series of digital drop-in sessions and online on the Leodis website.  

Abive is a photograph of an engraving of Temple Newsam by Kip and Knyff, which was sent to the Parks department by Miss Kitson from the original at Temple Newsam.

Johannes (Jan) Kip and Leonard Knyff were Dutch draughtsmen, engravers and painters in the late 17th/early 18th centuries who specialised in engraved views of English country houses. This was one of many featured in their “Britannia Illustrata” published c1708.

The remarkable images include a photo from 1907 showing mill owner Jonathan Peate gifting land to the people of Yeadon for use as a local park.

Also part of the gallery is an undated photo showing spectators watching a display of Maypole dancing at the annual Children’s Day at Roundhay Park.

The event took place every year from 1920 until the 1960s, and a Queen was crowned each year.

Other events being held during Green Libraries Week will include a code club, where visitors will be coding solutions to clean up oceans and reduce recyclable waste going to landfill.

Green speakers at library social clubs, Story and Rhyme sessions celebrating wildlife, and eco-themed activity at kids clubs will also take place at a number of libraries across the city.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “Leeds has made a commitment to work towards being a carbon neutral city by 2030, and in order to achieve that ambition, we need everyone to work together across our communities.

“Libraries are the perfect place for people to get the information they need to play their part and to pick up some simple, practical advice about what they can do at home to make a difference.

“By taking part in Green Libraries Week, we’re highlighting some of the many ways people can get involved in a fun, accessible and friendly place.”

More information on Green Libraries Week in Leeds including events at local libraries and community hubs can be found here.