Harrogate Library

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Harrogate Library

We are located in central Harrogate and offer a wide range of items to borrow including books, audiobooks and e-books.

Meeting rooms are available to hire and there is free Wi-Fi and computer access. We have a wide ranging programme of events.

01/06/2026

A big THANK YOU to our wonderful Tuesday afternoon craft group for crocheting all these beautiful flowers for one of our displays! 🧶🌸📚 What a perfect combination—books, flowers, and crochet.

Looking for a unique summer gift? Our library shop is now selling these beautiful book vases! They look perfect on any bookshelf:

▪️ Small Vases: £7
▪️Large Vases: £9

Pop in and grab yours today—they are only available while stocks last! ✨

30/05/2026

Join us for an afternoon of local history next Wednesday 📚🎓🍎

We still have a few places left for historian Paul Jennings' fascinating talk on Wednesday 3rd June from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Paul will guide us through the evolving landscape of private schools for boys in Harrogate. You will learn about the earliest institutions, how education shifted over the decades before being brought up to the present day. Much of the talk draws on his recently published book, Schools and Schooldays in Nineteenth-Century Harrogate.

Whether you are a history buff, a former pupil, or just curious about Harrogate's past, this is a talk you won't want to miss.

Book your FREE place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1983893503875?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/05/2026

Families had a fantastic time joining Adult Learning at Harrogate Library yesterday for a Family Fun in half term session!

Using the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk, adults used simple and engaging ways to support their children’s learning through play. Together, families explored creativity, practised recalling the story sequence, and built language skills through discussion and imaginative activities.

They also learnt how everyday play can strengthen confidence, communication, and early literacy skills at home. To continue the learning beyond the session, each family planted their own beans in magical pots—encouraging children to care for their plants, observe changes, and keep the story alive in a hands-on way. 🌱

If you enjoyed this session, there are lots more opportunities to get involved!
Alongside our Family Fun activities running during the holidays (next up - Summer Fun!), there’s a wide range of other courses available for adults too—covering everything from arts and crafts and wellbeing to digital skills, employability, English and maths, and more.

Take a look and find something for you or your family here:
👉 https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/explore-adult-learning-courses
A wonderful way to learn, play, and grow together as a family!

27/05/2026

There's still time to pop in to the library to view Paul Jennings' exhibition to celebrate the launch of his new book 'Schools and schooldays in nineteenth-century Harrogate'. Copies of the book are also available at the library.

23/05/2026

Swapping screens for shared activities - like reading together at bedtime - is one of the simplest ways to support your child's development and help them establish healthy screen habits right from the start. Visit Best Start in Life for more.
https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/

22/05/2026

ON THIS DAY.....
123 years ago, The Grand Hotel in Harrogate opened.
The advert below from The Tatler in 1930 has been taken from digital copies available via The British Newspaper Archive (available for free on library computers).
With promises of 'finest cuisine', 'absolute comfort' and a 'splendid ballroom' the hotel advertised in many national publications.
The Grand Hotel closed for residential purposes in 1955.
Today, the building is known as Windsor House which offers premium office space, combining historic architecture with modern, flexible workspace.

21/05/2026

ON THIS DAY.......
124 years ago, Christopher Furness opened The Yorkshire Home for the Incurables.

During construction, an article in the Harrogate Advertiser headlined, “The New Home for Incurables” revealed that a new building at a cost of £15,000 pounds was being built, paid for by donations. The purpose of the home according to one of its annual reports was to provide a permanent residence to persons of small means who are “permanently disqualified from the duties of life by disease, accident or deformity.”
The home had a long waiting list and so early application was advised. It could accommodate between 80 -100 residents (both men and women). Residents came from all over West Riding. Visitors were allowed every afternoon from 2pm-5pm.

20/05/2026

LIBRARIES MEAN BUSINESS!
Our inspiring new business collection packed with practical ideas to help start-ups and small businesses thrive, free to reserve from your local library or via the North Yorkshire library app or website.📖
You can view the collection here: https://tinyurl.com/2wkdhwzf

And don't forget you can access COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser) for FREE with your library card. COBRA has all the information you need to turn your idea into a reality. Library members can find more than 4,000 factsheets, market reports, contacts and sources of funding and support, plus hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business. Access this resource via the Libraries webpage: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/libraries/online-resources-available-your-library

19/05/2026

Thank you to the team behind Health In Harrogate 200 who have kindly loaned us their fabulous map of Harrogate. Feel free to pop in and submit a happy memory of Harrogate.

18/05/2026

Happy Local & Community History Month! May is officially one of our absolute favourite months of the year here at Harrogate Library📜✨

📚 New Book Launch & Exhibition
We recently hosted the official launch for historian Paul Jennings’ fantastic new book, Schools and School-Days in Nineteenth Century Harrogate. Pop into the library until the end of June to explore a fascinating physical display by Paul. We also have a collection of books and brochures showcasing over 100 years of Harrogate's school history.

🗣️Afternoon Talks & Local History
This afternoon, we welcomed a sell-out audience for a brilliant talk by Rowena Moir on Nidderdale: The Glistening Dale. A big thank you to Rowena for generously giving up her time to share the rich industry, breath-taking beauty, and history of Nidderdale with us all. If you are interested in finding our more about the local area, we have a book display on the 1st floor to wet your appetite and a whole room dedicated to local history.

🎟️ Want to come along to our next talk? Our events fill up fast. To find out about upcoming guest speakers, local history events, and ticket bookings:

-Ask our team at the main desk next time you visit
-Check the events board in the library foyer
-Telephone us on 01609 536658
-Email us at [email protected]

Address

Victoria Avenue
Harrogate
HG11EG

Telephone

+441609536658

Website

http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/harrogate-library

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