Welcome to Explore York Libraries and Archives.

Now that you are a library member you can decide how you want to use us.

Get on line with us

You can:
Renew items
Browse catalogue
Reserve books
Download free ebooks
Download free audiobooks

Here are some of the activities normally on offer:

We would like to send occasional mailings to let you know about events and activities and offers you won’t want to miss out on. We are starting to offer in person as well as online events now.
Sign up for the Explore Events email

Browse our Eventbrite page

Did you know …

Explore York Libraries and Archives is a non-profit making mutual benefit society with charitable status. Please consider supporting us with a cash donation or by shopping online using Easyfundraising.

We welcome donations of books and you can find out more about donating here.

We have 15 libraries across York (and a mobile library) to make it easy for you to access our services. We also have two modern reading cafes offering a range of freshly prepared meals and homemade cakes.

Be involved… or Get Involved

There are lots of ways you can get involved and support Explore.

Connect with us …

We would love to hear your ideas so please get in touch by emailing contact@exploreyork.org.uk or chat to a member of staff when you next visit

Follow us:
Twitter @YorkLibrariesUK
Facebook @ExploreLibrariesandArchives

  • Over a million people visited us last year
  • Over a thousand events were enjoyed
  • The most popular children’s book was ‘Goodnight Peppa’ with 136 loans
  • Explore York Archives holds over 1.5 miles of archives, and 60,000 Local History items, telling the story of York and its inhabitants over nearly 850 years.

Connect with others …

York Card
York Minster
York Learning

Have a drink on us!

Show your Welcome email (the one you clicked to find this page) within 2 weeks at any of our cafes and have a free coffee, tea or fruit cordial.