York has a new library – with a café and outdoor terrace

York has a brand new library today (Tuesday).

The Explore Haxby and Wigginton Library has opened, six years after it left its last permanent home.

It is now housed inside the Oaken Grove Community Centre, Reid Park, Haxby.

The library features a new reading café offering barista-style coffees and snacks plus an outdoor terrace.

It stocks 10,000 books, a children’s library, a separate area for teenagers, PCs and free wifi.

Events for all ages, from Lego clubs to readers’ groups, begin later this month.

Many features of the new library were chosen by local residents, who also asked for longer opening hours.

The library will be open six days a week, from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturdays.

Welcoming space

The community centre has seen other improvements, with a large central entrance, community rooms for hire, and upgraded kitchen, offices and toilets. Disabled access is also improved.

The old Haxby Library was closed in 2016 after serious structural problems were discovered.

Executive member for culture, leisure and communities at City of York Council Darryl Smalley said: “The new Haxby and Wigginton Library opening demonstrates our clear commitment to supporting, and improving, libraries across York.

“Our city’s libraries are for everyone, whether socialising, learning, reading or relaxing – they are some of York’s most welcoming community spaces.”

Sarah Garbacz, deputy chief executive of explore york library and archive, said: “What an amazing start to the New Year to be opening a new library for the communities of Haxby & Wigginton.

“We’re open six days a week and can’t wait to welcome everyone back through our doors. We’ve fantastic spaces available to sit, relax, meet friends, catch up, or to work, or play.”

Haxby and Wigginton Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Hollyer said: “We’d like to thank everyone that has helped make this possible, from City of York Council and Explore York to Oaken Grove’s Trustees and volunteers.”