York Explore Library and Archive

York Explore Library and Archive Flagship public library at the cultural heart of the city of York and home of the city archives.

The flagship public library for the city of York and home of the city archives. Designed by the York architect Walter Brierley in 1928, today York Explore is a welcoming and accessible place for people of all ages to enjoy. With a range of events and activities, and a delicious menu on offer in our Reading Cafe, there's more to York Explore than you might expect.

Have you watched the first episode of Tip Toe with Alan Cu***ng this week? If you want to know more about Alan why not g...
04/06/2026

Have you watched the first episode of Tip Toe with Alan Cu***ng this week?

If you want to know more about Alan why not give his memoir ‘Not my father’s son’ a go, reserve today on our app/website.

***ng

Well hello June!As we are heading into another month as well as making it to half through the year you may be needing a ...
02/06/2026

Well hello June!

As we are heading into another month as well as making it to half through the year you may be needing a boost to achieve your reading goal.

Using your library card you can access a whole host of books, pop in to browse or head to our app/website to look for your next read!

Tomorrow is York Pride 2026!In the spirit of Pride and Pride Month as a whole, here is a list LGBTQIA+ books (we do love...
29/05/2026

Tomorrow is York Pride 2026!

In the spirit of Pride and Pride Month as a whole, here is a list LGBTQIA+ books (we do love a list). Pride is a celebration, a protest, a beacon of hope and a symbol of love, plus so much more!! 🏳️‍🌈💙📚 Celebrate love all year round with amazing LGBTQIA+ books that are on our shelves as well as over on elibrary apps Libby and BorrowBox.

Have a wonderfully enjoyable day at York Pride if you’re attending!

If you're in need of some support head to Mind Charity's website for some useful resources. (link in comments below)

With space on your library card for 20 books, you can get a mixed stack of titles to read up a storm. Pop in to browse o...
28/05/2026

With space on your library card for 20 books, you can get a mixed stack of titles to read up a storm.

Pop in to browse our shelves to see what you can discover or head to our website/app for our catalogue.

The next meeting of Read and Relax our reading group with a twist is next week, Wednesday 3 June - 6.30pmCome along with...
27/05/2026

The next meeting of Read and Relax our reading group with a twist is next week, Wednesday 3 June - 6.30pm

Come along with your own book, we have time carved out for some reading, then a bookish chat too alongside a warm drink.

There is no booking required, it is a drop in session, EVERYONE is welcome.

Hope to see you there - we're excited to see and hear about all the reading everyone has been doing!

This is the story of Miss Havisham as you've never heard it before.And she will exceed all expectations.Pop on a reserva...
26/05/2026

This is the story of Miss Havisham as you've never heard it before.

And she will exceed all expectations.

Pop on a reservation via our website or app for this historical retelling of one of fiction's and Dickens' most infamous female characters!

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.

Reflecting on our 2026 reading so far, some books have already stood out to us, after some thought here is a list of som...
23/05/2026

Reflecting on our 2026 reading so far, some books have already stood out to us, after some thought here is a list of some of our favourites.

What are your favourite/s of 2026 so far? Let us know in the comments.

All of the books on our list can be reserved via our website/app.

21/05/2026

Here is a selection of bookmarks and other items we have found in the books that have been returned.

We love seeing what items have been used as bookmarks, what are you currently using? Let us know in the comments.

Address

York Central Library, Library Square
York
YO17DS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+441904552828

Website

https://linktr.ee/YorkExploreandArchives?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaehro_4bUni8HlX4kjUPr

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when York Explore Library and Archive posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to York Explore Library and Archive:

Shortcuts

Share

Category