Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2025-26 - Flipbook - Page 3
Welcome from the Chair
Explore experienced another
exciting year serving communities
across York. People across
the city made wide use of the
libraries and Explore centres,
seeing them as trusted spaces
where reading, learning, culture
and everyday community life
continue to thrive. The breadth
of activity shared in this report
reflects Explore’s ongoing efforts
to enhance local lives.
The year also presented challenges.
Financial pressures, operational constraints
and wider public sector changes required
careful prioritisation. These are not unusual
challenges, but they required sustained
attention from both the Executive and the
Board.
Against this context, it was encouraging to
see Explore strengthen its core systems and
structures. Staff changes, improvements
to operational processes and digital
infrastructure development created a stronger
foundation for future delivery.
Work within the Archives service was
particularly notable. Clear progress in
improving the management and preservation
of the city’s collections enabled greater
accessibility for users. Another major
milestone was the renewal of our national
archives accreditation.
The Board maintained its focus on strong
governance and long-term sustainability.
Chris Edwards stepped down after six years
as Chair in September, and I was honoured
to step into the role. We strengthened
governance over the year through clearer
sub-committee structures and investing in
the Board’s skills and effectiveness. These
changes give the Board greater capacity to
guide Explore through current and future
challenges.
As always, the work described in this
report is the result of the commitment and
professionalism of staff and the continued
support of volunteers. The contribution of our
partners, including City of York Council, Arts
Council England and a wide range of cultural,
community and voluntary organisations,
remains central to the way Explore operates.
Work is underway to shape the next phase
of Explore’s development, including plans for
libraries, archives and partnerships across the
city. Our focus remains on maintaining high
quality services while adapting to changing
circumstances and seizing new and exciting
opportunities for the people of York.
Rosemary
Rosemary Cook
Chair of the Board
Explore Annual Review 2025/26
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