Annual Review 2026 9 Sept FINAL - Flipbook - Page 12
Digital inclusion: Widening
access through technology
More people across York used Explore in ways that suited their
lives, with digital options opening up access for people who faced
travel, physical or confidence barriers. By making collections and
support easier to reach, Explore helped people feel more connected,
competent and confident online.
Helping families thrive digitally
Through eBooks, online resources, free
Wi-Fi and digital support, Explore helped
people access information, build skills and
stay connected.
Preserving collections for
the future
Residents and researchers benefited from
improved digital preservation and collection
systems, helping keep York’s archives accessible
now and for future generations.
Putting library
services in
people’s pockets
Our relaunched Library App
made it easier for people
to manage their library
use wherever they were.
With more than 6,400
launches, readers used the
app to access resources,
manage accounts, place
reservations and renew
items.
Connecting people to trusted
information
People accessed trusted information and
local services through partnerships with
City of York Council, Digital Friendly York,
health organisations and community
groups. Staff helped people find
information and support that mattered to
their daily lives.
Keeping essential access local
When Acomb’s last bank branch closed,
residents were still able to access face to face
banking thanks to a temporary banking hub
hosted at Acomb Explore Library. Across all
Explore centres, people continued to benefit
from free Wi-Fi, public PCs and friendly support
to get online, ensuring essential digital access
was accessible.
12
Explore Annual Review 2025/26