Libraries in York

City of York Libraries

The City of York public library service includes the central lending and reference libraries in Museum Street, York and several local branch libraries. Anyone who lives, works or is studying in York can join the library. It is free to join and most things are free.

For more information see the City of York Council libraries website.

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Search Engine: The National Railway Museum Library and Archive Centre

Search Engine is the National Railway Museum's brand new Library and Archive Centre. It is home to:

  • 1.5 million photographs from the early days of photography in the 1850s to the present day
  • Over a million engineering drawings of railway vehicles from 1820 to the present
  • The UK's most comprehensive railway library
  • Sound and oral history archives
  • A growing digital video record of today's railway industry
  • Personal and business archives from key figures and organisations in the British railway industry
  • The UK's most comprehensive collection of British railway posters, graphic art and advertising material from the 1820s onward
  • The NRM's own archives, including archives from our predecessor museums at York and Clapham

You can visit to get help with railway related questions, find a quiet area for study or to access archival material. The Edmondson Room is available for group bookings (up to 20 comfortably) and Wi-Fi is available throughout Search Engine.

Search Engine is open 10am - 5:30pm seven days a week. For more information please see the NRM website.

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York Minster Library

York Minster Library (YML) is the largest cathedral library in the country, with a collection of some 120,000 volumes. Over 25,000 of these were printed before 1801, including 115 incunabula.

The main subject coverage of the books in the Library is theology (all periods), history (particularly ecclesiastical), art and architecture (particularly ecclesiastical, and especially stained glass), religious literature (all periods), York and Yorkshire.

YML is located in the Old Palace, based in Dean's Park on the north side of York Minster. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. University of York staff and students may borrow from the Minster Library.

Special Collections

Any item location marked 'SC' or 'Old Library' on the online catalogue is a Special Collections item. Appointments are necessary to consult Special Collections and Old Library material and must be booked a day in advance.

Photocopying

The Minster library has a single black and white copier and is not connected to York Print Plus.

It is self-service but cash-only: please ask at the Library Office (first floor Reading Room).

The copying charges are 20p/A4 and 30p/A3 sheet.

No Special Collection or pre-1900 item can be photocopied. The rest of the collection can be photocopied but we reserve the discretion to refuse if an item is in a poor condition or at risk of damage.

Borrowing

  • You must visit the Minster Library to borrow items.
  • You may borrow up to 12 items from the Minster Library; this in addition to the number you may borrow from the University Library.
  • The Minster Library has adopted the University of York's flexible loans policy including the loan periods and overdue fees.
  • Members of the public can apply to the Minster Library for a borrower's ticket for which there is an annual fee.

Returning

  • You must return items direct to the Minster Library. It is not possible to return items via the University Library or the King's Manor Library.

Renewing

  • You can renew Minster Library items via My Library Account on the Library Catalogue.

Requests

  • Items on loan can be requested online. Any requested items will need to be returned to the Minster Library within 7 days. When the item is returned you will be notified that the item can be collected from the Minster Library.
  • Library Catalogue

The Minster Library has one room available to groups of students and lecturers.

The Old Library can accommodate approximately 15-20 people (dependent upon the space used for exhibitions) and it is a great environment for lectures and groups. Please contact the Minster Library to discuss using this room.

The Old Palace also houses York Minster Archives, which contains York Minster's manuscripts and records which can be consulted via appointment. University of York staff and students can obtain a one-year reader's ticket without charge on production of a valid University of York library card

Contact YML

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York St John University Library

Library and Information Services are part of the new Fountains Learning Centre situated on Clarence Street on the main Lord Mayor's Walk campus. The library stock comprises books, periodicals and audio-visual materials relevant to college courses.

The library is freely open to all for reference purposes. For non-members of the College, it is possible to join the library for an annual fee plus proof of identity and address. A special reduced fee is available to those holding a City of York Library card or Yorkcard.

For more information see the Library and Information Service website.