York Explore Library

York Explore is the city's central library and archive - a welcoming, well-resourced space in the heart of York with books, study areas, community events, a cafe and access to the city's historic archive collections.

York Explore Library and Archive | Libraries in York

• Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 9am-8pm

  • Friday: 10am-6pm

  • Saturday: 9am-5pm

  • Sunday: 11am-4pm

• Location: Library Square, York, YO1 7DS

• Suitable for: All ages - lift access to first floor, accessible facilities available

• Booking: Free to use - no booking required for general library access. PC sessions and reading room study desks can be booked in advance

• Website: https://exploreyork.org.uk/libraries/york-explore

• Contact: 01904 552 828 | york@exploreyork.org.uk

York Explore Library and Archive is the main public library for the city, located in Library Square close to the city centre and offering a broad range of services to residents and visitors alike. The building is bright, modern and welcoming, with a large stock of books for all ages, public computers available for session bookings, free Wi-Fi, and dedicated first-floor study spaces accessible by lift. A Reading Cafe within the building serves food and drink throughout opening hours.

The archive service at York Explore holds significant collections relating to the history of York and the surrounding area, including local records, maps, photographs and documents spanning many centuries. Study desks in the reading room can be booked in advance for those undertaking archival research. The library also runs an active programme of free community events and activities, including regular under-5s storytimes, digital support sessions, reading groups and family drop-in activities - a full schedule is available on the website.

York Explore is part of the Explore York Libraries and Archives network, supported by City of York Council. A Home Library Service is available for those who are unable to visit in person. The library is well served by bus from the Park and Ride network, with stops on Museum Street a short walk away, and there is secure bicycle storage at the building.

Photo credit: https://exploreyork.org.uk/libraries/york-explore