Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2025-26 - Flipbook - Page 11
Power through the pages
An open book can spark
life-changing moments –
empowering readers, helping
them discover new facts, enjoy
imaginative journeys and learn
practical skills.
Reading is at the heart of Explore’s Libraries
offer. We support inclusive literacy for all ages
by promoting reading for pleasure through
library activity, weekly programmes and annual
reading challenges.
Bloodaxe Book Challenge
Primary-aged children enjoyed a vibrant
reading challenge linked to the JORVIK
Viking Festival. With support from popular
children’s authors, such as M G Leonard,
author of The Legend of Viking Thunder,
the Bloodaxe Book Challenge inspired
children to read more and take pride in
their achievements.
Stay and Play
Our Stay and Play sessions bring families
together through fun, play-based activities for
young children. Held in libraries across York,
they provide a welcoming space where children
can learn and explore, while parents and
carers can connect with others, access advice
and where needed, be directed to additional
support services.
When Robins Appear
Over the Christmas period, we teamed
up with Next Door But One to deliver an
enchanting production, When Robins
Appear, across Explore sites and local
schools. This new family programme
blended creative activity with reading
engagement to strengthen early emotional
literacy.
More than 1,600 people attended
the popular production through 17
performances. The programme combined
theatre with a curated reading offer, driving
strong participation. Feedback was highly
positive, underscoring the programme’s
impact in community settings.
90%
of the audiences
rated the
experience highly
Teen autonomy
Teens had the chance to shape the future of
Explore by participating in creative sessions
across local schools and libraries. Supported
by a City of York Council Cultural Passport
grant, Explore partnered with Thunk It
Theatre to work directly with young people to
understand their needs and ensure their voices
influenced decision-making.
Young people shared what matters to them,
from welcoming spaces and affordable
activities to books and services they want
to see. Their feedback directly informed the
purchase of around 500 new titles and is
shaping future service development, helping
create library spaces that feel more relevant,
inclusive and responsive to teenagers’ needs.
Explore Annual Review 2025/26
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