York’s biggest libraries are set to reopen early next month – and a new reading café will open its doors for the first time too.
The libraries at York Central, Acomb, Clifton and Tang Hall will open from Tuesday, 7 July, but on a pre-booked basis only.
Explore’s brand new café in Hungate will open for the first time on the same day.
The reading cafés at Rowntree Park and Homestead Park open on 6 July. All will be serving drinks and snacks to take away and enjoy outside.
The mobile library will be back too, but the rest of the smaller libraries will remain closed during this first stage.
Opening hours at the libraries will be from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. For mobile stops and café opening times see the Explore website for more information.
Operating differently
“We can’t wait to welcome people back to our physical buildings,” said Gillian Holmes of Explore York Libraries and Archives.
“We will be operating a little differently for a while though. Some libraries will be open, books will be available using a click and collect system, computer and printer use will be by appointment only, and opening hours will be shorter.”
All venues will have safety measures in place to protect customers and staff.
Borrowing books using click and collect is simple. You can collect books from Acomb, Clifton, York, Tang Hall and the Mobile Library.
- Reserve your books in the usual way using the online catalogue, or from July 7 by phoning or emailing your nearest open library – OR fill in one of our Lucky Dip online forms for adults or children and we’ll choose up to 15 books based on your taste and preferences.
- When your books are ready library staff will phone you and arrange a time for you to collect them.
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Books may also be returned by pre-booked appointment. Staff are happy to accept returns, and all loans have been renewed until 30 September.
Computers and printing will be available for pre-booked slots. You can book online or contact your nearest open library by phone or email after 7 July.
Gillian said: “Explore customers now have even more choices than before because while we were closed we took the chance to enrich and expand what we offer online.
“As lockdown is lifted we encourage everyone to carry on using these online services as well as coming into libraries.”