The Leeds Library appoints new CEO

The Board of Trustees of The Leeds Library has appointed a new CEO.

Nina Corey joins the Leeds Library with seventeen years’ experience working in heritage, including as Director of the Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester, and senior roles at National Trust properties, including at Arlington Court and the Carriage Museum, and The Workhouse, Southwell, Notts.

She brings a wealth of experience in the management of listed properties including Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire, and has a special interest in social history, presenting thought-provoking personal stories, and making heritage sites relevant to a diverse range of audiences in changing societies.

It is anticipated that Nina will take up her new role in February 2024.

Nina’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the Leeds Library. In 2022, it embarked on The Next Chapter project, an ambitious capital works programme which began with the acquisition of adjoining premises at 15, Commercial Street. Phase 1 of the project was completed in September with the opening of retail tenant Cinnabon on the ground floor.

Fundraising for phase 2 is ongoing, with £440,000 secured so far towards making the Grade II* listed building accessible for the first time; the creation of an events and creative learning space; meeting rooms; and space to unite the library’s 140,000-strong collection of books.

The city’s oldest cultural organisation, the Leeds Library was founded in 1768, and is the oldest independent subscription library in the country. It became a registered charity in 2008, and its Grade II* listed home on Commercial Street in the heart of the city centre has hosted an innovative programme of public events, weddings, and workshops. The library now has more members than ever before in its history.

Chair of Trustees Paul Ellis said: “We are delighted to welcome Nina to the team. She joins the Leeds Library at an exciting time in our history, with Phase 1 of the Next Chapter Project complete, and fundraising ongoing to fully realise our ambitions for the library and the city. Nina’s wealth of experience in the heritage sector and her passion for engaging diverse audiences will be crucial as move forward to the next phase.” 

Newly-appointed CEO of the Leeds Library Nina Corey said: “I’m privileged to be taking on the role of CEO at The Leeds Library. During the interview process it was evident how much passion the staff, volunteers and trustees have for the beautiful building and its impressive collection of books – and with great reason. The Library is such a key part of the city’s cultural sector, and the ongoing project will help to increase ways of engaging people and communities. I’m very much looking forward to starting the role and helping to write the Next Chapter.”