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 t...
07/09/2026

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 👇

Did you know York has a rich history of printing, publishing and printmaking?This year, our audio recording project Hist...
05/09/2026

Did you know York has a rich history of printing, publishing and printmaking?

This year, our audio recording project History Misbehaves is exploring the Explore York Archives collections to uncover stories from York's printing past.

Join DigitalDrama and Riding Lights Theatre Company for a series of creative workshops at York Explore Library and Archive exploring local history, archives and storytelling. No previous experience needed.

To enquire, please email [email protected]. For more information, follow the link in the comments below 👇

We're upgrading the technology that supports Explore's services 💻As part of this work, some services will be affected on...
04/09/2026

We're upgrading the technology that supports Explore's services 💻

As part of this work, some services will be affected on 12-13 September.

York Explore Library and Archive and York Explore Reading Café will be closed on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

We currently expect other Explore locations to remain open during their normal opening hours, although some services may be limited, including printing and self-service machines.

Summer Reading Challenge participants: if you're taking part through York Explore, please complete the challenge and collect any rewards by Friday 11 September, as York Explore will be closed over the final weekend of the challenge.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these improvements. Find out more via the FAQ link below 👇

The countdown is on!There’s less than two weeks left to finish the – and your final books could make all the differenc...
02/09/2026

The countdown is on!

There’s less than two weeks left to finish the – and your final books could make all the difference!
By completing the challenge, you’re not only celebrating your own amazing reading, you’re also boosting your school’s chances of winning the Schools’ Cup! 🎓🏆

Finish by Saturday 12 September to help your school come out on top!

Come say hello next time you're in the area 👋
01/09/2026

Come say hello next time you're in the area 👋

Have a look what's on this Autumn at York Explore Library and Archive 🍂
01/09/2026

Have a look what's on this Autumn at York Explore Library and Archive 🍂

This October, we're excited to welcome back Creative Café, History Misbehaves and Digital Making Youth Club as we begin ...
01/09/2026

This October, we're excited to welcome back Creative Café, History Misbehaves and Digital Making Youth Club as we begin Year 4 of our NPO programme at York Explore Library and Archive, funded by Arts Council England.

These free projects bring people together to learn, create, share ideas and discover new skills. We'd love you to join us!

Take a look at what's coming up below, and follow the links in the comments for more information 👇

31/08/2026

Read and listen together this autumn 🎧🍂

During September and October, we're inviting library members to discover Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy on BorrowBox.

We've secured 500 eAudiobook copies, so you can start listening straight away with no waiting list. Why not enjoy the book alongside your reading group, friends or family and share your thoughts as the story unfolds?

A family living on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A storm gathering force. This atmospheric thriller combines suspense, mystery and emotional depth in a story that will stay with you long after the final chapter.

Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026, Wild Dark Shore was also an instant New York Times bestseller, a Reese's Book Club pick and a Time Must-Read Book.

📚 Available on BorrowBox from 31 August to 29 October. Simply download the app and sign in with your library card to start listening.

Opening hours today - bank holiday Monday 31 August☕Rowntree Park Café open as normal.📚Libraries, archives and other caf...
31/08/2026

Opening hours today - bank holiday Monday 31 August

☕Rowntree Park Café open as normal.
📚Libraries, archives and other cafes closed.
⚽Community Stadium library open for self-service borrow and return.

Tuesday 1 September: All sites open as normal.

Address

Library Square, Museum Street
York
YO17DS

Telephone

01904 552828

Website

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