Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2025-26 - Flipbook - Page 31
About Explore York Libraries
and Archives
There is something distinct about Explore as a
public organisation. As a mutual owned by staff and
our community members, it is deeply rooted in the
community and places it serves.
Following 10 wonderful years of growing, connecting
and creating lasting impact across York’s communities,
our future focus is on resilience and sustainability
so we can continue delivering more. Explore thrives
because of community participation and the people
who are shaping the city’s future legacy.
In 2019, Explore was awarded a 15-year contract with
the City of York Council to provide the statutory public
library and archive service for the city. This includes
15 libraries, including York Explore, our flagship city
centre library and home of the City Archive, as well as
a mobile library, a home library service and six Reading
Cafés. Our core objectives are to inspire imagination,
support learning for all ages, enable access to local
history and strengthen community connection.
The City Archive preserves York’s collective memory,
while programmes for families, children and adults
foster literacy, creativity and wellbeing. With thousands
of active members, Explore is integral to York’s cultural
life, offering resources, events, digital services and
support with the cost of living. At its heart, Explore is
about reinforcing a sense of belonging, enriching lives,
expanding horizons and ensuring everyone has the
opportunity to connect with knowledge, culture and
each other.
Explore is governed through community input, is
recognised by HMRC as having charitable status and is
registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following people for images
used in this review: Charlie Kirkpatrick, David
Harrison, Louis Wong, The National Centre for
Early Music, Alex Lee, The staff and customers of
New Earswick Library, The Explore Archives Team
Copy Writing: Sarah Grant Communications
Design: Lisa Guest, Cookie Graphic Design
