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Browse books, grab a coffee, and see a friendly face as York libraries reopen

The Reading Café at Hungate.
@ Things to do

York’s libraries are looking forward to welcoming people back from Monday.

The Explore Libraries and Reading Cafes have now set out their opening plans. The libraries will be open for drop-ins, browsing, or simply a friendly chat.

Quiet study space will become available again, but pre-booking is essential.

The Reading Cafes at Hungate, Tang Hall, Homestead and Rowntree Park will reopen for outdoor service and takeaway. The Reading Café at Hungate will also have lots of new books to browse.

The Archive at York Explore is due to open from Monday 26 April for pre-booked appointments.

Explore York will be following government and public health advice to ensure that libraries and cafes are safe as they reopen, so face coverings will be mandatory and social distancing will be in place.

Bringing people together

Fiona Williams, chief executive of Explore. Photograph: YorkMix

Chief executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives Fiona Williams said: “Libraries are all about bringing people together.

“Through the pandemic we found ways to do that online. In April we will get back to doing that face to face. In May we hope we can re-open our Reading Cafes fully.

“By summer we hope to be able to offer some activities, but this will be dependent on government advice”

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Many of the libraries and reading cafes have outdoor spaces or gardens, which could be great places to safely meet friends or family.

Details of the plan for re-opening:

  • From 12 April – all York libraries open for browsing and drop-in. Reading Cafes open for takeaway and outdoor service at Hungate, Tang Hall library, Rowntree Park and Homestead Park.
  • From 26 April –the City Archive re-opens for pre-booked appointments.
  • From 17 May – all Reading Cafes including those at Acomb and York libraries re-open fully with indoor service. 
  • Books out on loan have all been automatically renewed until 30 April
  • Events will continue online, and the libraries are starting to plan face-to-face events as well.
  • The online library continues: e-books, audiobooks, local history, Explore’s YouTube channel and Press Reader giving free access to thousands of newspapers and magazines.

All re-opening dates are subject to government advice and local decisions.

For more information please visit the Explore York website.