Happy 10th birthday Explore York Library and Archives!
The iconic York institution is marking 10 years of providing the city’s community with a public library and archive service with a whole weekend of special fundraising events.
This weekend, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, Explore York libraries will be hosting bake sales, coffee mornings, craft workshops, fundraising fairs and live music to celebrate the milestone – including a special performance from York’s very own band Bull.
We’ve put together a guide of how Explore York libraries across the city are celebrating the 10 years – take a look below to see what’s happening at a library near you.
Check out our Q&A with Barbara Swinn, head of audience development and engagement at Explore York, to read about the highlights and challenges of the past decade and what’s next for Explore York.
To find out more and to stay updated with Explore York, visit their website here and sign up to their e-newsletter.
Saturday 18 May
Acomb Explore Fundraising Day
Acomb Explore Library are holding a big fundraising day in celebration of Explore’s 10-year anniversary – there will be face painting, glitter tattoos, craft stalls, raffle and tombola, and a chance to see a fire engine up close.
- Acomb Explore Library, Front St, Acomb, York YO24 3BZ
- 9am – 3pm
Bishopthorpe Library
Bishopthorpe library will be celebrating with a cake stall, coffee morning and a book sale. Don’t miss your chance to grab a tasty treat and book bargain!
- Bishopthorpe Library, Main St, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RB
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
Clifton Library Storytime and Coffee Morning
Clifton Library will be hosting a special storytime to celebrate 10 years – with free balloons and cake! Drinks and cake will be available at a small cost for adults and older children. Drop in anytime from 10am – 12pm.
- Clifton Explore Library, Rawcliffe Ln, York YO30 5SJ
- 10am – 12pm
Copmanthorpe Library – Books, Bakes and Buds
A book sale, a bake sale and a plant sale rolled into one! With plenty to browse and buy, baked goods to enjoy, and crafts and activities to try out, there’s something for everyone.
- Copmanthorpe Library, Main St, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3SU
- 9:30am – 12:30pm
Party at Dringhouses Library
Dringhouses Library is hosting a fundraising birthday party! Expect party hats, balloons, cake, and even some party games. There will also be a bake sale.
- Dringhouses Library, Tadcaster Rd, Dringhouses, York YO24 1LR
- 10am – 12:30pm
Fulford Library Bunting Workshop
Come and help Fulford Library celebrate Explore York’s 10 years by creating and printing your own design to add to their birthday bunting! Refreshments will also be available.
- Fulford Library, St Oswalds CE School, Heslington Ln, Fulford YO10 4LX
- 10:30am – 12pm
Haxby & Wigginton Library Community Sing-alongs
Join Haxby & Wigginton Library for two Community Sing-along sessions in celebration of 10 years of Explore York. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in and there’s no need to book in advance. There will also be drop-in crafts for children all day and the café will be serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and sweet treats!
- Haxby & Wigginton Library, Haxby, York YO32 3QW
- 1:15-1:45pm & 2-2:30pm
New Earswick Library – Sow a Seed for the Future
Come along to the library at the Folk Hall and sow a seed for the future. Plant a Forget-me-knot and share your memories of the library. Take it home and watch it grow as you support the library into the future. There will also be games like a Book Quiz, Guess the Name of the Dog and more.
- New Earswick Library, The Folk Hall, Hawthorn Ter, New Earswick, York YO32 4AQ
- 10am – 12pm
Tang Hall Explore Library Fundraising Fair
Calling all bargain hunters! In celebration of Explore’s 10 year anniversary, Tang Hall Library will be hosting a fundraising fair full of brilliant bargains. We will be selling plants, jigsaws, games, craft kits and supplies, books, lego, cakes and bakes, and more.
- Tang Hall Explore Library, Mossdale Ave., Tang Hall, York YO31 0HA
- 9am – 3:30pm
Sunday 19 May
Printing Workshops
York Explore will be hosting two special printing workshops. From 11:30am to 1pm, design and print your own library t-shirt or poster with Bull’s Kai West. It’s £7 for a t-shirt or bring your own to print your design for free. From 1-3pm there is a Lino printing workshop with Izzy Williamson.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
- 11:30am – 3pm
Golden Ball Open Mic Away Day
A Golden Ball Open Mic away day hosted by Bull’s Tom Beer! With performances from Rowan Evans, Maggie MacLellan, Gabbie Lord, Eve Thomas, York She Choir, Old Time Rags, Adder Stone and many more.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
- 12-3:30pm
Live At The Library
Join York Explore Library for an evening of live music to celebrate a decade of Explore! This special event isn’t just about music; it’s about community, culture, and supporting our libraries. York’s own Bull will be headlining the evening, with Marnie Glum, Rowan and Friends, and spoke-word artist Stu Freestone supporting. Tickets are £15 in advance.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
- 6:30-10pm
- Tickets