North Yorkshire Library and Information Services maintain 42 libraries in the county.

If you are not already a member, come into your nearest library and join today. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff will help our users find books, computers, music and films for work or entertainment... and much more. 

Our North Yorkshire libraries give anyone living, employed or studying in the county access to a wide range of services. You can contact libraries on 01609 533800, or email libraries@northyorks.gov.uk.

Libraries and information services strategy 2008-2023 - launch

The library strategy officially launched at an event at the Harrogate Pavilions on 3 April. The purpose of the strategy is to set out our vision and our ambitions for the library and information service for the next 15 years.

In summary, our vision is that within the next few years our libraries will increasingly be seen as the place to be for the communities they serve. They will be lively and exciting venues of choice, in demand for use by local groups, County Council partners and other organisations for activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our libraries will be centres of excellence for books and opportunities for reading; for learning; and will provide access to computers and the internet. 

They will be a major player in creating the skilled, informed, creative, healthy citizens that North Yorkshire needs to respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

You can download the full strategy below.

What is this?

	Book a room Find out about booking a room in one of our libraries, including any related charges, and book online.
	Find your local library Click here to find your local library, contact details,opening times, and the services and facilities on offer.
	Have a home visit Get in touch with our home library and information service to arrange a visit in your own home.
	Pay your fines online Use our online payment system to pay your outstanding library fines (£10 minimum).
	Renew your books Renew your library books online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
	Search our library catalogue Browse our library catalogue online, to reserve or renew your books, audiobooks, cds, videos, dvds and computer games.

Libraries and information services strategy 2008-2023 Libraries and information services strategy 2008-2023 [1Mb] The purpose of this strategy is to set out our vision and our ambitions for the Library and Information Service for the next 15 years. Libraries and information services strategy 2008-2023 - Facts and figures [674kb] Facts, figures and the future - 2009 Libraries and information services strategy 2008-2023 (easy read version) [553kb] The purpose of this strategy is to set out our vision and our ambitions for the Library and Information Service for the next 15 years. Library strategy launch presentation - Keith Bartlett on the future direction for libraries. [120kb] Keith Bartlett from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council gave a presentation on the national perspective on the future direction for libraries. Library strategy launch presentation - Tony Durcan on his perception of North Yorkshire's library service in the context of the changing national scene. [461kb] Tony Durcan, President of the Society of Chief Librarians and Head of Culture, Libraries and Lifelong Learning for Newcastle City Council, gave his perception of North Yorkshire's library service in the context of the changing national scene. Library strategy launch presentation - Karen Thornton on the Polish Books Collection. [242kb] Karen Thornton gave a presentation on the development of one aspect of NYCC library's service - the Polish Books Collection. Library strategy launch - conference workshops results [763kb] The conference was not just about listening but also audience participation through workshops. Some of the results are presented in this document. Useful downloads Your library & information centre [339kb] With a network of 45 branches and a mobile library service, you're never too far from a North Yorkshire County Council Library and Information Centre. Find out more here. Your one-stop shop for information [318kb] Whatever you want to know ask your Library and Information Centre first. From information on claiming rights and benefits, through researching a hobby, to finishing a crossword, we can help. Sound and vision [195kb] You don't have to miss out on a good story: let someone read to you. Whether in the car or busy around the house, there’s always time for a good book. North Yorkshire County Council's Cultural Strategy [1Mb] A document containing guidance and information about the County Council's cultural plans and how we work with our many partners North Yorkshire County Council's Cultural Strategy Action Plan [99kb] The cultural strategy has a detailed action plan that identifies targets and actions needed to achieve the commitments of our Cultural Strategy.   Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window. North Yorkshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites. Connexions York and North Yorkshire Confidential advice, support and information for 13-19 year olds - search our website, contact us by phone, e-mail or fax or get in touch with a Personal Adviser in your area. Love Libraries Campaign Love Libraries is a campaign to make libraries even better. Do you love libraries? You do? Fantastic! Then you'll already know how great they are for free books, reading groups, meeting authors and sound reading advice... If you don't use them yet, People's Network - Read Read is a great place to start to get into books and reading online and helps bring readers together, either to meet up face to face or on the web. Turn onto books and reading! Share and discuss your favourites on-line or find a reading group. People's Network - Discover Join Discover and search the hidden treasures of libraries, archives and museums on-line BBC RaW Find out about RaW... RaW will help you to enjoy your reading and writing. Get involved with RaW at libraries and centres in North Yorkshire. People's Network - Enquire Enquire is a 24-hour 'live-chat' and email reference enquiry service. Enter your details and your question on the Enquire form, and talk live to a real librarian. Try it and see. The Reading Mission Read a great book and want to talk about it? Here's where to go! Check out our activity sheets, make up your own library mission and get a certificate for taking part... Google - Search the web Type in a few descriptive words and hit the 'enter' key (or click on the Google Search button) for a list of relevant web pages. North Yorkshire Families Information Search for local events and organisation details for the local community. Libraries translated information - frequently asked questions Is key library information available in an alternative language? Contacts All library and information centres libraries@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 01609 533800 Fax: 01609 780793 Full details for All library and information centres Service Head, Operations and Delivery libraries@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 01609 533800 Fax: 01609 780793 Full details for Service Head, Operations and Delivery Library Strategy Project Manager libraries@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 01609 533826 Full details for Library Strategy Project Manager