Libraries and Cafes

Opening Hours

You will find all opening hours on the individual library and reading cafe pages of our website.

Closure on Friday 17 April

All Explore libraries, archives and reading cafes will be closed for our annual staff conference on Friday 17 April. No items will be due back on this date. We are sorry if you were hoping to visit, but hope you will understand how important it is for all our staff to attend the conference.

Bank holidays May 2026

Monday 4 May Rowntree Park cafe open as normal. Libraries, archives and other cafes closed.

Monday 25 May Rowntree Park cafe open as normal. Libraries, archives and other cafes closed.

Explore at the Community Stadium A self-service borrow and return service is available on bank holidays during public opening hours.

If you find it difficult to visit a library in-person, you may be interested in our Home Library Service.

Dogs in our cafes and libraries

We welcome all registered assistance dogs in our centres and are committed to providing an accessible, inclusive environment for everyone.

We also offer outdoor dog-friendly areas, these vary by location – the cafés at Hungate, Rowntree Park, Acomb and Tang Hall have outdoor terraces, and York Explore offers a garden space, where your dog is very welcome.

For details about a specific centre, just ask a member of our friendly team in person or email contact@exploreyork.org.uk.

Please see our Future Libraries page to learn about our plans to develop York’s libraries.