York Explore Library and Archive

Overview

York Explore Library and Archive is a public library housed in a beautiful building in the city centre of York. It’s free to visit and is home to an abundance of literature, as well as archives detailing the city’s fascinating history.

It’s a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours and is perfect for something to do on a rainy day in York. Whether you’re an avid reader, a history buff, or you just want a couple of hours of peace, it’s a great spot to drop in during your explorations of the city.

Adults and children alike will find lots to discover in York’s flagship library, and there are regular events that are also free to join.

Can anyone use York Explore Library and Archive?

Yes, York Explore Library and Archive is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to visit for a cuppa in the café or for a couple of hours of reading or studying in a comfortable place.

If you’re interested in learning more about York’s history, you can book an appointment in advance for a space in the Archives Reading Room or to use one of the microfilm readers. You can also just turn up, but booking helps to avoid disappointment.

Is there anything for children at York Explore Library and Archive?

Children visiting the York Explore Library and Archive will find play areas with toys and countless kids’ books to read.

There are also some regular events that children will love, including:

Under 5s Storytime: Thursdays and Fridays, 10.30am – 11am
Stay & Play: Wednesdays, 1pm – 2.30pm

There is no need to book for these events, just drop in.

Can I get something to eat at York Explore Library and Archive?

Yes, there is a family-friendly café at York Explore Library and Archive. The café serves hot and cold drinks, locally made cakes, snacks, and light meals.

Café opening times

Monday to Thursday: 9am – 4pm
Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday: 9am – 4pm
Sunday: 11am – 3pm

Is York Explore Library and Archive accessible?

York Explore Library and Archive strives to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility provisions include:

Ramped/sloped access
Level access to services
Motorised scooters are welcome
Regular supply of books in large print
Regular supply of books in audio format
Magnifying software available
Lift available
Accessible toilets available
Assistance dogs welcome

What is there to do at York Explore Library and Archive?

Discover the history and heritage of York

Find out more about this historic city’s interesting past and the people who have shaped it into what it is today. There are three dedicated areas where you can learn about York.

Archives Reading Room: View original archives from the library’s collection.

Family History Room: If you’ve got relatives or ancestors from York and the surrounding area, you may be able to find out more about them here. The room has microfilm readers, public network PCs, and family history books for adults and children.

Local History Room: Find out more about the history of York from a collection of over 60,000 books, leaflets, maps, and other materials.

Read a book

Of course, you can’t go to a library without picking up a good book. There are multiple quiet spaces in the library where you can relax and lose yourself in a story for a couple of hours.

Come along to Book Club

The Read and Relax book club meets on the first Wednesday of each month and is free to attend. There’s no need to book in advance. It’s a book club with a twist: attendees just bring their own books, enjoy quiet reading time together, and chat about books over a hot drink.

Explore art exhibitions

The café area also hosts art exhibitions and is a great place to discover emerging artists. The exhibitions change throughout the year.

Other places for bookworms to visit in York

York is the city of dreams for book lovers, with its many literary connections. It was the birthplace of Robinson Crusoe and has been the setting for many novels and stories. The city is said to have inspired many famous authors, including Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, the Brontë sisters, and Matt Haig.

Some other places to visit if you love reading include:

York Minster Library
Stonegate, which was famous as a centre for publishing in the 16th century
Minster Gate Bookshop, a shop selling vintage, rare editions, and second-hand books

How to get to York Explore Library and Archive from YHA York

The York Explore Library and Archive address is Library Square, York YO1 7DS. It’s around a mile from YHA York.

On foot: It takes about 22 minutes to walk from the Youth Hostel to the library.

Cycling: It’s approximately seven minutes by bike from YHA York to York Explore Library and Archive. There are storage spaces there for bikes.

By public transport: From the hostel, walk for around nine minutes to Clifton Green. Catch the 30, 30X, or 80 bus and alight at Theatre Royal. From here it’s just a two-minute walk to the library. The entire journey should take about 14 minutes.

By car: It should take about 10 minutes to drive to the library. Please note that there is no parking. Car parks in the city centre include: