In 2014, Explore York became an independent, not-for-profit mutual society owned by staff and the community. This bold step transformed libraries and archives into spaces shaped by York’s people and their stories.
Contracted to run the public libraries and archives service for the council, Explore goes further: it’s guided by the vision and energy of York’s residents.
Over the last ten years, countless memories and moments have shaped our shared story – from the joy of a child discovering new worlds with their first library card to the excitement of exploring community memories in our archives.
Every day at Explore brings something new, and we’re proud to share a few of our favourite moments from 2024 with you.
2024 highlights at Explore
May: Celebrating 10 years in style
Our birthday weekend brought York together with events in every library. The weekend reached a thrilling climax when acclaimed local band Bull performed a unique gig among the shelves at York Explore Library in the city centre. We were touched by all the support we received from people across York at our celebratory events.
Creative communities
• History Misbehaves – Tang Hall Stories: Tang Hall residents collaborated with writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine to create a series of dramatic radio monologues. Recorded and broadcast by Jorvik Radio, the series brought local stories to life in powerful new ways.
• Shush Snip Rip Exhibition: Inspired by York Union Workhouse records in the Archives, this exhibition was created by disabled artists and local organisations. It highlighted striking connections between the challenges faced by disabled people in the Victorian era and today, offering a thought-provoking journey through time.
Both projects were part of Explore’s work as a National Portfolio Organisation, delivering Arts Council England’s “Let’s Create” strategy.
Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge
Some 2,943 York children embraced their creativity through the power of reading during the Summer Reading Challenge, borrowing more than 65,000 books during the summer holidays. It’s always a joy to see the next generation discovering the joy of reading.
Look Say Sing Play
Throughout the year, families joined us for Storytime and Play sessions with babies and toddlers. Supported by the NSPCC, these Look Say Sing Play activities gave parents and carers tools to help under-2s’ development while having lots of fun together.
Ballet Comes to Tang Hall
In October, Tang Hall Explore Library hosted Island Movements by Black British Ballet. This free performance told the story of the Windrush generation through dance. For many attendees, it was their first time experiencing professional ballet, making it an unforgettable moment.
Ballet at Tang Hall Explore Library. Photo credit – Explore York
Clifton Library’s Sparkling New Home
In the autumn, Clifton Explore Library moved to a stunning new location complete with a Reading Café and garden. The new space has been a hit, with many first-time library members joining and attendance at Storytime tripling to 50 children and carers per session.
The Core of Explore: Our Libraries
Amid the excitement of new events, our core library offer remains at the heart of what we do. Last year:
• Some 22,881 people actively used their free library cards to borrow books or access our online library of e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines. In October, we upgraded our digital library by adding BorrowBox alongside Libby.
• On average, 2,962 books were borrowed every single day.
• And 821,000 people visited our libraries – that’s more footfall than the Railway Museum or York Minster!
• We supported 75 reading groups, providing book sets and space to connect.
• A total of 97,847 people engaged with our archives.
• Some 46,900 people attended 3,134 public events.
Daisy May Johnson’s Poem: “This Library”
The essence of Explore was beautifully captured by Daisy May Johnson, the successful local author of the ‘How To Be’ books. During a recent visit to Clifton Explore Library, she brought together words from customers and her own observations to create this poem:
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This Library
This family, this reader, these books,
This sounding out of words, this finger on the page,
This cold-grey morning, this warm brightness,
This welcoming heart, this heavenly space.
This calm, this quiet, this reflective moment,
This world on hold, this time out, this coffee,
This catch-up with friends, this conversation,
These comfy seats, this friendly, this home.
This welcome, this laughter, this time flying by,
This connection, this information, this get together,
These moments, these friendships, this company,
This hot chocolate, these biscuits, this cake.
This love, this cosy moment, this heartfelt hug,
This inside-joke, this heavenly space,
This me-time, this quiet, this reflection
This freedom, this choice, this heart.
This community –
These kids, these fireworks, this bicycle in the garden
This yellow coat, this bright blue hat, this excitement,
This root, this branch, this joy!
This imagination; this fantasy island; this refuge,
These moments; these imaginations; this choice;
This tranquillity, this zen, this adventure,
This library!
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Be Part of the Explore Story
Explore is about reading, learning, connection, imagination, and community. Discover more by visiting your local library, exploring our Annual Review 2023-24 or signing up for our newsletter www.exploreyork.org.uk Let’s keep the story going!
Gillian Holmes is the executive assistant at Explore York Libraries and Archives
