Bishopthorpe Library

24/09/2026

Browse our large selection of board books and picture books to borrow. We also provide weekly under-5 storytimes on a Thursday, 10.30-11am. These are free and fun sessions, delivered by our fabulous storytime volunteer Mary, and include stories, rhymes and songs. Pop in and see for yourselves!

Did you know that sharing books with babies and toddlers helps build language skills, supports brain development and creates special bonding moments? 👶📖

Reading together is one of the simplest ways to support your child's learning and development. Every story, conversation and shared giggle helps nurture curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of reading.

Pop into your local library and explore a world of books for little readers 👋

Join the library, borrow some books and discover our free activities for under-5s. It's all free and everyone is welcome!

24/09/2026

21/09/2026

A huge congratulations to all completers of this year's Summer Reading Challenge! 🥳 We have heard about so many great books, and it's been a real pleasure listening to you and seeing how much you enjoyed your reading.
We will soon be drawing the winners of 10 vouchers from Waterstones and we will get in touch if you have won.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm, it's been great fun. We can't wait for next year!

21/09/2026

Back by popular demand! Join us for an evening of Murder Mystery on Monday 12 October at 7.30pm. The script was written in the tradition of the Golden Age detective novel by Ann Cleeves and is loosely based on her book 'The Glass Room'. Use your little grey cells to solve the mystery 🧐!
Tickets are £8 per ticket and include a free glass of w**e.

27/08/2026

Don't forget to finish your Summer Reading Challenge and collect your certificate 📜and medal 🥇. You'll also be included in a draw by The Friends of Bishopthorpe Library to win one of ten book vouchers for Waterstones! You have until Sunday 13 September to tell us about your books. We can't wait to hear about your reading discoveries this summer...📚

There is still time to complete the 📚
Pop to your local library to tell us about the books you’ve read and collect your rewards!

24/08/2026

📣Who is up for another fun craft session with Andrene this summer? We'll get busy on Wednesday 2 September from 3-4pm. Booking is not necessary, we only ask for a £1 contribution towards craft supplies.
We are looking forward to seeing you all - you can tell us about the books you have been reading for the Summer Reading Challenge at the same time! 😍

20/08/2026

It's time for another Quiz Night at the Library! Join us on Monday 14 September at 7:30pm for 8 rounds of general knowledge questions, one picture round and one surprise hands-on round 🤩.
Tickets are £7.50 and include a free glass of w**e. You can book as a table of 4 or as couples and individuals and we put some tables together. It's always great fun. Book early to secure a table 😀.

Explore York Libraries and Archives

08/08/2026

Look at this!! 😍 We have had the most amazing time with TellingTales making story lanterns on Thursday. The kids worked so hard at making their lanterns and creating their designs, and even though the lanterns will likely look their best lit at night, they were already beautiful. Every single one of them.
Thank you, TellingTales for coming to the library and helping the kids to create something special and magical!
And if anyone who took part sees this, and has a picture to share of their lit lantern, please do so in the comments! We'd love to see them in action.

Explore York Libraries and Archives

16/07/2026

📣The Summer Reading Challenge has begun!📣 Pop into your library, sign-up and get started! The kids have all summer to read 6 books, collect stickers on the way and receive a medal and certificate when they finish 🥇📜.
This year, the Friends of Bishopthorpe Library are putting all our completers into a prize draw for 10 vouchers for Topping & Company, so the lucky winners can go book shopping in September 📚🥰

🎶And a 1, 2, 3, 4!!! 🎶

The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 begins TODAY! Pop into your local Explore Library and start your young reader's journey of a summer full of reading adventures.

Whether it is chapter books, non-fiction or audiobooks; even graphic novels that young readers enjoy, all these types of books all count towards the challenge.