York Explore Library and Archive
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
York Explore Library and Archive is the city’s flagship public library and home of the City Archives, located in a striking 1920s building on Museum Street. It offers a wide range of books, study spaces, a family-friendly café, and access to York’s rich local history and archival collections. The building hosts regular free events, from storytimes to digital skills sessions, and features changing art exhibitions in the café area. With level access, lifts, and inclusive facilities, it’s a welcoming, accessible hub for residents, researchers, and visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to York Explore Library and Archive
- Library Square, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS, GB
- +441904552828
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
- Thursday 9 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit mid-week or on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest times, especially if you want a quiet study space or a table in the café.
- If you plan to use the Archives Reading Room, book a space in advance online or by phone to guarantee access, particularly on Saturdays.
- Check the library’s events calendar before your visit; free sessions like storytime, digital support, and book clubs are great for families and newcomers.
- Bring a library card if you have one, but don’t worry if you don’t – staff can help you sign up on the spot and start borrowing immediately.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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On foot from York Railway Station
From York Railway Station, follow signs for the city centre and walk along Station Road and then Museum Street. The journey takes about 10 minutes on level, well‑paved paths, passing shops and historic buildings before reaching Library Square and the library entrance.
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By local bus
FirstBus York routes 1 and 2 stop near the entrance on Museum Street, a short walk from the city centre and railway station. Buses run frequently during the day, with a journey time of around 5–10 minutes from the station area, and a standard adult fare applies.
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By car
Several public car parks are within a 5–10 minute walk of Library Square, including the city centre multi‑storeys. The library itself has no dedicated parking, so visitors by car should allow time to walk from the nearest car park, especially during peak shopping or tourist hours.
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On foot from York Minster
From York Minster, walk east along Minster Yard and then down Museum Street, passing shops and historic buildings. The library is about a 10‑minute walk away, on the right‑hand side at Library Square, with level access from the pavement.
York Explore Library and Archive location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about York Explore Library and Archive
A Modern Hub in a Historic Shell
York Explore Library and Archive occupies a prominent, architecturally distinctive building on Museum Street, originally designed in the 1920s and now serving as York’s central public library. The structure’s solid, civic presence makes it a familiar landmark, while inside it functions as a bright, contemporary community space. Large windows flood the ground floor with natural light, and the open-plan layout encourages browsing, browsing, and lingering. The library’s role extends beyond lending books: it is also the official home of York’s City Archives, making it a key destination for anyone interested in the city’s past.Books, Archives and Local History
The library offers an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and large-print titles, all available for borrowing with a free library card. On the first floor, visitors can explore the Local History collection and the Family History Room, which provide access to maps, photographs, directories, and other resources for tracing York’s development and family lineages. The Archives Reading Room, used by researchers and genealogists, holds original documents and requires advance booking, but staff are on hand to guide newcomers through catalogues and help them find relevant material.A Space for Everyone
York Explore is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. A dedicated children’s library area features picture books, early readers, and regular storytime sessions for under‑fives. Quiet study spaces on the first floor cater to students and remote workers, while free Wi‑Fi and public computers support digital access. The Reading Café serves coffee, cakes, and light meals, and its tables often double as informal meeting spots. Changing art exhibitions in the café area add a creative dimension, showcasing local artists and community projects.Events and Community Life
The library runs a varied programme of free activities that reflect York’s diverse community. Regular events include book clubs, digital support sessions for beginners, and family-friendly activities like Stay & Play. These sessions are designed to be welcoming and low‑pressure, often operating on a drop‑in basis. The library also offers room hire for local groups, making it a practical venue for meetings, workshops, and small gatherings. This mix of services and events ensures that Explore remains a dynamic, living part of the city’s cultural fabric.Accessibility and Practicalities
The building is fully accessible, with level access from Library Square, a customer lift to the first floor, and accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility. The Archives and Local History collections are reachable via the lift, and staff are trained to assist visitors with specific access needs. Opening hours are generous, with extended weekday evenings and weekend access, though the Archives Reading Room has more limited hours and is closed on bank holidays. The café and general library areas are open to all without appointment, making it easy to drop in for reading, research, or a coffee.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Anglian Tower
0.0 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.0 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Bootham Bar
0.2 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.2 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.2 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.3 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
0.3 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Sundial Column
0.4 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
The Bloody Tour of York
0.4 km
Discover the haunted tales of York on The Bloody Tour, where history and ghostly legends intertwine for an unforgettable experience.
Historic England - York Office
0.4 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
York's Chocolate Story
0.4 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.4 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Parliament St
0.4 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Medieval Walls
0.4 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Unmissable attractions to see
Multangular Tower
0.0 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
Huntfun York
0.1 km
Explore York’s historic heart through a captivating, family-friendly treasure hunt filled with cryptic clues and hidden gems.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.1 km
Discover a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles in York’s historic Red House, where over 60 dealers offer unique finds for every budget.
Black window cat
0.1 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
York Theatre Royal
0.1 km
Discover York Theatre Royal, a historic gem blending medieval roots with Victorian Gothic and modernist design, alive with over 270 years of theatrical heritage.
Yorkshire Museum
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
Locked in Games York
0.1 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
Mannion & Co
0.1 km
A cosy York bistro famed for artisan brunch, deli boards, and a hidden courtyard in the city’s historic heart.
King's Manor - University of York
0.1 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
York Oratory
0.1 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece and spiritual heart of York’s Catholic community, rich in history, art, and enduring faith.
York Observatory
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Museum Gardens
0.1 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
Exhibition Square
0.1 km
A bustling cultural hub in York’s historic heart, Exhibition Square connects art, history, and vibrant city life.
Grand Yorkshire - Day Trips and Tours
0.1 km
Exclusive small-group day tours from York featuring vintage steam train rides and immersive journeys through Yorkshire’s scenic countryside and heritage.
William Etty
0.2 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
Essential places to dine
Brew & Brownie
0.1 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
The Star Inn The City
0.1 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.2 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Botanist York
0.2 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.2 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.2 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.2 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
Turtle Bay York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.3 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Los Moros
0.3 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Las Iguanas - York
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavours and lively cocktails in York’s historic city centre at Las Iguanas.
Roots York
0.3 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
Côte York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Imaginarium
0.1 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.1 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.2 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Rookscroft
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.2 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
York Minster Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
The Cat Gallery
0.3 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.3 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Paper Doll
0.3 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Snowhome
0.3 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.3 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Cello by Collectables
0.4 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Hidden Treasures
0.4 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Pandora
0.4 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
The Medieval Scribe
0.4 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.1 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Eagle & Child
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.2 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.2 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.2 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Evil Eye
0.2 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.2 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Revolution York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
The Maltings
0.3 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.3 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.3 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Victor J's
0.3 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Vudu Lounge
0.4 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
