Meet the new boss of York libraries – who plans to build on their success

York’s libraries have a new boss.

Jenny Layfield will start work as chief executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives this month.

Jenny was most recently museum director at the National Coal Mining Museum for England. Before that she worked in the National Trust, including as general manager of Nostell Priory in Wakefield.

An HR specialist, Jenny replaces Fiona Williams, the visionary who turned York’s library service into a pioneering mutual organisation, enabling it to grow and flourish when so many others were suffering cutbacks.

Fiona left in July, seven months after she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to libraries in the New Year’s Honours 2022.

Explore has a 15-year contract to provide public libraries and archives for the city of York. 

In 2022, more people than ever joined the libraries, and a new library for Haxby and Wigginton was completed.

Jenny’s arrival comes as Explore joins the Arts Council’s National Portfolio of cultural organisations: one of only 16 library authorities in the country to be given this status.

Chair of Explore Chris Edwards said he was delighted she was joining the organisation: “The combination of her experience, her values, and her drive and determination make her an ideal fit for Explore as we enter the next important period in our development.”

Jenny said she was thrilled at the prospect: “I was bowled over by the passion and innovation the whole team demonstrated in their desire to ensure that libraries and archives are inviting, exciting and welcoming places for the people of York and look forward to working with them to continue to build on their success.”