York Explore Library and Archive

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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.

It's the spookiest time of year so we thought a book sale was in order, starting Saturday 24 October until Saturday 31 O...
18/10/2026

It's the spookiest time of year so we thought a book sale was in order, starting Saturday 24 October until Saturday 31 October, here at York Explore and Archive.

At our book sale you can grab some bargains and support Explore at the same time. The books being sold are ex-library books (withdrawn stock) which we are selling to make room for new books and have not passed our fit for 'borrowing' stock policy. The money we make from our book sale goes straight back into our Book Stock budget.

Pop in and see what you can discover. 📚

Now we are a few weeks into the new academic year; are you wanting to up your game in the kitchen of your student accomm...
15/10/2026

Now we are a few weeks into the new academic year; are you wanting to up your game in the kitchen of your student accommodation?

'The student kitchen' is filled with 70 super-satisfying, budget-friendly recipes to make the path to success that little bit easier.

Today we celebrate one very special bear’s 100th birthday.Winnie the Pooh is one of the best loved bears across literatu...
14/10/2026

Today we celebrate one very special bear’s 100th birthday.

Winnie the Pooh is one of the best loved bears across literature and film/tv.

You can find an array of books featuring Pooh Bear and his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood on our catalogue. Plus Pooh and Piglet can be found in our Explore shop too.

We’d like to wish a big happy 100th Birthday to Winnie the Pooh! 🎈🍯🧸 make sure to enjoy a teddy’s picnic with lots of honey to celebrate!

We're so excited for this one! Booking now open for 'BAGS OF LIFE' Portraits by Mik Artistik.For more than 30 years, Mi...
12/10/2026

We're so excited for this one! Booking now open for 'BAGS OF LIFE' Portraits by Mik Artistik.

For more than 30 years, Mik Artstik has been creating biro portraits on brown paper bags, capturing everyone from pop stars to pub regulars.

Join the musician, artist and performer here at York Explore Library and Archive as he shares stories from his Bags of Life project, alongside live music and readings.

Friday 6 November, 3pm-4pm, York Explore Library and Archive
🎟 Booking required | £7.50 | Follow the link in the comments below to book.

Books have the power to transport, inform, entertain and inspire plus much more! With your library card you can have 20 ...
08/10/2026

Books have the power to transport, inform, entertain and inspire plus much more!

With your library card you can have 20 books checked out at one time; pop in to get yourself a pile of books.

‘National Trust: book of biscuits’ is beautifully illustrated and contains a generous side serving of history plus has 7...
07/10/2026

‘National Trust: book of biscuits’ is beautifully illustrated and contains a generous side serving of history plus has 70+ delicious tried-and-tested recipes that you'll want to make again and again.

Reserve today to begin your biscuit baking adventure🍪🍪🍪

06/10/2026

From Civil War pamphlets to 20th-century printing blocks, our archive collections chart more than 350 years of printing in York 📰

As our National Portfolio Organisation projects History Misbehaves and Creative Cafés begin tomorrow, we're taking a closer look at some of the fascinating printed material preserved in the archive.

dandelion arts Riding Lights Theatre Company

Limited stalls remaining at our York Explore Christmas Fair! 🎄We're inviting local artists, makers and crafters to apply...
05/10/2026

Limited stalls remaining at our York Explore Christmas Fair! 🎄

We're inviting local artists, makers and crafters to apply for a stall at our Christmas Fair on Saturday 14 November, 10am to 4pm.

Sell your unique, handcrafted products to Christmas shoppers in the heart of York. Tables cost £15 to £30, depending on size and location, and we don't take a percentage of your sales.

The fair will also feature fundraising activities run by Explore staff and volunteers, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the day. We'll be promoting the event across our libraries, social media channels and newsletter.

Spaces are limited and only a few tables remain.

Interested? Contact Julie-Ann Vickers at [email protected]

Find out 'The truth about books' with this beautifully illustrated children's picture book by Elina Ellis.Books don't li...
03/10/2026

Find out 'The truth about books' with this beautifully illustrated children's picture book by Elina Ellis.

Books don't light up, they don't make any noise but one little boy launches into a journey to found out what is the point?

Reserve today via our app/website

Join us for Green Libraries Week at Explore 🍃 From Wednesday 21 October to Wednesday 28 October, we're hosting a series ...
02/10/2026

Join us for Green Libraries Week at Explore 🍃

From Wednesday 21 October to Wednesday 28 October, we're hosting a series of free events here at York Explore with York Environment Festival, exploring sustainability, climate action and our relationship with the natural world.

You can discover how local people are helping us better understand York's river, meet volunteer repair experts and learn practical skills, or join a creative Hack Camp for young people.

💧What’s in the water? Using data to tackle misinformation and drive change.
Thursday 22 October | 6pm - 7.30pm | York Explore Library and Archive
Free event, follow the link in the comments to book.

🪡Celebration of Repair Cafes
Saturday 24 October | 11am - 3pm | York Explore Library and Archive
Free event, just drop in. More information in the comments below.

🤖Explore Labs Hack Camp
Tuesday 27 October | 10am - 3.30pm | York Explore Library and Archive
Free event, follow the link in the comments to book.

Take a look at what's on and book your place by following the links in the comments below 👇

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

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