Explore York Libraries and Archives

Explore York Libraries and Archives Explore provides Public Libraries and Archives for the City of York. We have 15 Libraries across York, plus a Mobile Library serving the places in between.

We run 15 libraries including York Explore – our flagship library and home of the City Archive – 6 Reading Cafes, a mobile library, and a home library service. We also have an e-library, where you can download audiobooks and ebooks for free. Our venues are welcoming and vibrant spaces, and you'll find them in every community across the city of York. Drop in and you will find exhibitions, cultural events, free activities for children and much more. Explore is here for you.

Our Ten Most Wanted list for this month is now live. Thanks to your generosity we have reduced waiting times and shared ...
09/06/2026

Our Ten Most Wanted list for this month is now live.
Thanks to your generosity we have reduced waiting times and shared the joy of reading with even more people across York.
Thank you for your support - we are so very grateful.
Find out how you can donate one of these books in the comments below 👇

Have your say on Huntington Library opening hours 📚We’re considering removing the weekday two-hour lunchtime closure at ...
08/06/2026

Have your say on Huntington Library opening hours 📚

We’re considering removing the weekday two-hour lunchtime closure at Huntington Library.

Our total weekly opening hours would stay the same, with the library open:
🕥 Monday–Friday: 10:30am–4:00pm
🕤 Saturdays: 9:30am–12:30pm
The library will still be closed on Wednesdays.

We’d like to hear what this change would mean for you. Please take a couple of minutes to complete our short, anonymous survey by 19 July.

If you’d prefer, you can also share your feedback directly with Andy Stanton: [email protected]

👉 Find the survey link in the comments below, or scan the QR code.

04/06/2026

As Volunteers' Week continues, we're hearing from lovely Joan about what she enjoys most when volunteering in the Clifton Explore Cafe ☕

Thank you to everyone who supports Explore so generously - we love you all!

Could you give your time to help support Explore? Follow the link in the comments below to find out how to become a volunteer

It's Volunteers' Week at Explore! We'd like to say a massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, this week and every we...
03/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week at Explore! We'd like to say a massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, this week and every week!

John has been volunteering for Tang Hall Explore for the past 3 years and would absolutely recommend volunteering at the library – it provides a regular time in his week when he can connect to his local community: “You can choose your own time to come in and even 1 hour is helpful and adds up to a lot over a year – it’s very flexible. And it’s interesting - you have access to all the books!”

Could you give your time to help support Explore? Follow the link in the comments below to find out more about our volunteer roles.

Volunteers' Week is here! Last year Explore’s 650 volunteers donated 23,000 hours of their time and we are full of grati...
01/06/2026

Volunteers' Week is here! Last year Explore’s 650 volunteers donated 23,000 hours of their time and we are full of gratitude for this gift of time and talent.

To celebrate the 42nd year of Volunteers' Week, we want to take a moment to recognise the diversity of our volunteers and celebrate the difference they make, and to acknowledge that without our volunteers Explore simply would not be able to function.

Swipe along to read some of the reasons our volunteers Heather, John and GT give their time and talents to help make Explore such a welcoming and friendly place 💛

We'll be posting more volunteer stories and videos throughout the week - watch this space!

Could you be a Director on our Board? We are seeking a Volunteer Director with experience in finance, commercial growth ...
27/05/2026

Could you be a Director on our Board?

We are seeking a Volunteer Director with experience in finance, commercial growth and cost management, who can help strengthen Explore’s financial resilience and chair our Finance subcommittee. You do not need to be a qualified accountant (though it may be helpful), but you will to be confident about financial strategy and organisational economics.

There's more detail in the recruitment pack - link below 👇

It's Half Term! If you're staying in why not take some time to our amazing city and save money by having your at ...
26/05/2026

It's Half Term! If you're staying in why not take some time to our amazing city and save money by having your at the ready!
You'll get 10% off drinks in cafes and a host of all year round too.
PLUS - our *NEW* discount partner Witches & History Walking Tour is offering 15% off with a
£6 for adults and FREE for kids and those on qualifying benefits. Buy or renew yours online or pop into any library if you prefer to do it in person.
Visit York
Link in the comments below ⬇

Opening hours today - bank holiday Monday 25 May☕Rowntree Park cafe open as normal.📚Libraries, archives and other cafes ...
25/05/2026

Opening hours today - bank holiday Monday 25 May

☕Rowntree Park cafe open as normal.
📚Libraries, archives and other cafes closed.
⚽Community Stadium library open for self-service borrow and return.
Tuesday 26 May: All sites open as normal.

Opening hours for tomorrow's Bank Holiday Monday 25 May ☕Rowntree Park cafe open as normal.📚Libraries, archives and othe...
24/05/2026

Opening hours for tomorrow's Bank Holiday Monday 25 May

☕Rowntree Park cafe open as normal.
📚Libraries, archives and other cafes closed.
⚽Community Stadium library open for self-service borrow and return.
Tuesday 26 May: All sites open as normal.

Who's excited for the Family Fun Day at Rowntree Park Reading Café tomorrow? We are! Make sure you swing by the Reading...
22/05/2026

Who's excited for the Family Fun Day at Rowntree Park Reading Café tomorrow?

We are! Make sure you swing by the Reading Café to join in the fun 🌞

Explore the park and café on the Explore trail, plant your own sunflowers, and enjoy tasty café refreshments. Follow the clues, complete the trail, and win a prize 🥇

📅 Saturday 23rd May 2026
⏰ 10am–2pm
🎟️ £3 per family for the Explore Trail – booking link in the comments. Limited tickets are available on the day too.

Friends of Rowntree Park

Address

Library Square, Museum Street
York
YO17DS

Telephone

01904 552828

Website

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