About a month ago, I wrote an article investigating the impacts of funding cuts on national libraries in the UK. Once upon a time, local libraries had been the cornerstone of my childhood. They were a place for us to dream, imagine and grow our natural curiosity. But now I can’t remember the last time I visited one for a purpose outside of my academic degree. Since then, I have had the opportunity to speak to Explore York about the services they provide, and how they plan to keep the magical world of libraries alive, amidst an increasingly digital world.
York has 15 libraries across the city and the surrounding areas, run by Explore York, an independent, mutual service. Their flagship site is at the York Explore Library and Archives, situated next to the Museum Gardens, with its magnificent architecture, high ceilings and open spaces making it a perfect place to pick up a good book. On the first floor of York Explore sits a quiet study area, a fantastic alternative for students to avoid the immense challenge of locating a seat in the University library during exam season.
The cafe within the main library is decently priced, with a small latte costing £2.90. If you aim to be a frequent visitor to Explore you can purchase a prepaid café card, allowing you to save money on your favourite hot drinks (and make you feel like every drink you purchase is free!). The main library also offers lots of snacks, pastries, and cakes to fuel your day, including hot food, such as toasties and jacket potatoes.
Explore also has seven reading cafés across the city, providing spaces for you to read, study and relax with tasty snacks and drinks. My personal favourite is the reading café at Rowntree Park, with its beautiful views of the surrounding nature making it an idyllic place to unwind with a good book.
One area of Explore York that I was particularly impressed by was its connection with the local community. In fact, Explore York is the community, with its services being supported and shaped by local people. Becoming a community member for just £1 can allow you to vote for three community directors that will represent your views and ideas at board meetings. This allows city residents to really have an influence on how York library services are run, whilst also providing an excellent opportunity for volunteering and participation.
Due to the diverse range of services offered by York’s libraries, volunteers are crucial to their operation. If you want to build up your CV, or give back to the community, it is definitely worth checking out their available opportunities here.
Explore hosts an array of events, from art exhibitions and classes, to quiz nights, it’s definitely worth checking out what’s on to enrich your knowledge, learn about local history and pass some time. Many of these are free or only have a low cost, making them perfect for the student budget.
Spaces in Explore centres are also bookable, providing a location for you to host all sorts of events, from workshops, to fitness spaces, to celebrations. This can be an excellent opportunity for University societies to host their plethora of activities, with various room sizes and spaces to suit all needs. Find out more about bookable spaces here.
If I were to cover every wonderful service York libraries have to offer, I would be here for a year! Whether you want to participate in the local community, attend excellent events or simply just want to read, there really is something for everyone. The stereotype that libraries are only for the old and the young is definitely shown to be untrue in York, and students can really benefit from the services on offer.
Explore York is a pillar of the city, enriched with community spirit and accessibility, there is so much more to these services than just books!
Find out more about Explore York here.