The newly refurbished Explore York opened on 24 May 2010. The transformation has seen the building become a welcoming and well-designed flexible space that brings together a modern city library, with a full and vibrant programme of learning. The City Archives and Local History Library have merged, and are now located on the first floor.

Opening Hours

Opening hours for the Explore Centre:
Mondays: 9am - 8pm
Tuesday: 9am - 8pm
Wednesday: 9am - 8pm
Thursday: 9am - 8pm*
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm

* We will be closed on the first Thursday of each month for staff training, and will open at 1pm.

See the cafe page for cafe opening hours and menu.

Please note that all York Libraries are closed on Bank Holidays, and any additional closed days are advertised on our closures page.

Location and Accessibility

View a map of Explore York using our online maps (Localview). You can zoom in and out of the map.

There is an access guide for Explore York on the DisabledGo website.

What's at Explore York

• A café
• A bright new children's area
• Multi-purpose learning rooms
• New furniture, more open space and improved lighting
• More up-to-date technology including wi-fi and self-service machines
• Improved disabled access and a Changing Places facility
• More books
• Reading groups and a craft group
• Storytimes for Under 5s
• Longer opening hours including Sunday opening
• A combined City Archives and Local Studies Library
• A Photo-Me booth and digital photo printing machine