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.

As we enter the week of Halloween you might be looking for some spooky reads to see you through, whether that is magical...
26/10/2026

As we enter the week of Halloween you might be looking for some spooky reads to see you through, whether that is magical realism or a horror novel we may just have a title to get those spines tingling.

Here is a selection of spooky reads to get you started, if you fancy any of this selection head to our catalogue via our app or website (link in bio) to place any reservations or have a general browse.

Coming up soon here at York Explore...We're so looking forward to having Leeds musician and artist join us at the librar...
25/10/2026

Coming up soon here at York Explore...

We're so looking forward to having Leeds musician and artist join us at the library for an afternoon of stories, music and readings from his book 'Bags of Life'.

There's still time to book a ticket! Follow the link in the comments below.

Friday 6 November | 🕒 3pm-4.30pm | York Explore Library and Archive

Join thousands of readers around the world this October with Libby Reads!This month's featured title is Boleyn Traitor b...
24/10/2026

Join thousands of readers around the world this October with Libby Reads!

This month's featured title is Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory, a gripping historical novel set in the dangerous world of the Tudor court. Follow Jane Boleyn's story of survival, secrets and power as she navigates one of England's most turbulent periods.

From 29 October you can borrow the ebook and audiobook with no holds and no waiting lists. All you need is your Explore library card and the free Libby app. Follow the link in the comments below for more information 👇

"Everyone ended up on the bag. Judges, butchers, babies, housewives. It was the great leveller."For more than 30 years, ...
21/10/2026

"Everyone ended up on the bag. Judges, butchers, babies, housewives. It was the great leveller."

For more than 30 years, Leeds artist and musician Mik Artistik drew portraits in biro on brown paper bags, creating thousands of unique portraits and collecting countless stories along the way.

Swipe through a few examples from the Bags of Life project, then join us at York Explore to hear some of the stories behind the portraits, alongside live music, readings and artwork from the collection.

📅 Friday 6 November, 3pm-4.30pm, York Explore Library and Archive
🎟 Booking required | £7.50

Follow the link in the comments below to book your tickets.

🪡 Celebrate the art of repair at York Explore 🪡This Saturday, join us for a free Celebration of Repair Cafes as part of ...
19/10/2026

🪡 Celebrate the art of repair at York Explore 🪡

This Saturday, join us for a free Celebration of Repair Cafes as part of Green Libraries Week.

Drop in to see the work of York's Repair Cafes in action, meet the volunteers who help give everyday items a new lease of life, and pick up practical mending skills you can use at home.

Whether you're interested in sewing, fixing things, or learning more about the benefits of repairing and reusing, everyone is welcome.

📅 Saturday 24 October, 11am - 3pm
📍 York Explore Library and Archive

We're also hosting a programme of free events for Green Libraries Week in partnership with York Environment Festival. Swipe to find out more 👉

🍃 As part of Green Libraries Week, we're inviting readers to listen to Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy on BorrowBox. Selected to complement the programme, the eAudiobook is available with no waiting list until 29 October.

🔗 Ticket links and more information can be found in the comments below.

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.

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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