Lift access to the Borthwick reading room

Posted on 26 May 2026

Over the summer there will be some refurbishment work taking place in the Library buildings, leading to some changes in how you can access our research spaces here at the Borthwick.

As part of the University's long-term investment in campus infrastructure, the main entrance to the Morrell Library will be redeveloped over the summer months. The new entrance will be more accessible, with improved study spaces, inclusive toilet facilities, and clearer signage. You can find out more about the refurbishment works through the Library's dedicated page.

For us, this means a few changes to how our researchers access the Borthwick building.

Between Monday 8th June and Friday 17th July, essential replacement works are due to be carried out on the public lift to our reading room. This means that lift access to our reading room and microform room will be available only by prior arrangement. If you require lift access, please do let us know and we will be able to provide access via our secure staff lift instead. An accessible entrance to the main Library will be available at all times during our opening hours and the stairs to the Burton Library as a whole remain unaffected.

During this time and through until the Autumn, when you come to pick up your day pass you might also see changes to the main Library doors and the location of the Library Helpdesk. This is all part of the wider library entrance refurbishment work. When you book an appointment with us, we will outline the current access arrangements and will keep you up-to-date with any upcoming changes.

If you have any questions about the changes taking place, or you'd like to find out more about access to the reading room,please email us on borthwick-institute@york.ac.uk