With the backing of the Yorkshire Union of Mechanics Institutions, a Mechanics Institute was formed in Kirkby in 1848 using a small building to the south of the Market Cross. It was so popular that soon more space was needed, so in 1852 a two-storey stone building was built on the present site. This was achieved by bequests, public subscription and much voluntary effort in cutting and hauling stone from local quarries.

As well as a reading room and library, there was a larger room for meetings, dances and concerts. A good collection of musical instruments were available and even a bagatelle table! When billiards became popular the billiard room was added in 1896. In 1936 the large hall at the back was built and the front was altered to single storey.

The Mechanics Institute is still much used as a centre for village meetings, entertainment, recreation and adult education activities. Refurbishment to modernise the facilities is now complete. Phase 1, started in 2005, was to renovate the Ladies Toilets and provide a Disabled Toilet. Phase 2 to build a new Kitchen and Phase 3 to build a new Annexe and Gents Toilets on the West side of the Main Hall were started and completed in 2006. The whole building is now much improved for the future. There are still some improvements to be done and there is a "Wish List" of these. Hopefully it will not be too long before these can be achieved.

Information about what is happening at the Mechanics Institute can be found here.

If you have any information or photos we can add to these pages please contact kirkbymalzeard@hotmail.com. We plan to add anecdotal history given by local residents, so if you have any interesting or amusing memories of life in this area please let us know!