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  1. North Yorkshire County Council
  2. Leisure and culture
  3. Libraries
  4. Local libraries

Ripon library

Visit libraries safely.

With the Government easing of protective measures from July 19th we would like to reassure you that your safety remains our priority.

We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable so would ask that you treat others using the building with consideration as we know that many visitors wish to remain cautious.

We are managing the reintroduction of services and there will be local variations. For details of services from your local library find out more from our Library and Record Office services during Coronavirus (Covid-19) page, or check the Facebook page or website of your local community library for further information.

Information about Ripon library including contact details and services offered.

Library address and contact details

Ripon library
The Arcade
Ripon
HG4 1AG

Email: ripon.library@northyorks.gov.uk
Telephone: 01609 536623

Library opening hours

Please see our Library and Record Office services during Coronavirus (Covid-19) page for current opening hours.

Finding the library, parking and access

The library is located in the Arcade, next to the bus station and overlooking the car park. It is well served by the nearby bus station, which provides good links to surrounding towns and villages as well as within Ripon itself.

There are no car parking spaces designated for the library. However, a large pay and display car park is immediately in front of the library, split into sections reflecting duration of stay permitted.

The library has automatic doors and all areas are accessible to wheelchairs. The meeting room is fitted with a hearing loop and there is a portable hearing loop for use in other parts of the building. The library is located on the first floor and may be accessed by stairs or lift.

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Items available from the library

You can borrow a range of books for all ages in a variety of formats, including large print and audio. Music CDs, DVDs and foreign language titles are also available for loan, as well as micro:bits. You can request any item that is not immediately available.

Information and facilities at the library

  • baby changing
  • family history
  • fax
  • free online access to Ancestry.com, Find My Past, the British Newspaper Archive and Access to Research
  • free wi-fi
  • help and support using IT
  • help with your blue badge application 
  • induction loop
  • internet and computer access
  • language courses
  • local studies
  • magazines and newspapers
  • meeting room available for hire
  • parents' collection
  • photocopying, printing and scanning
  • study area
  • tea and coffee
  • toilets

Activities at the library

For further information about any of the activities below, please contact the library.

Art groups

There are two art groups which run every Monday. They are:

  • An adult art group runs from 1:30pm to 3pm; and
  • Squigglers, an art group for young people, meets from 4:30pm to 6pm. This is a local project delivered by Ripon Library, the Workhouse Museum and North Yorkshire Youth. 

For more information about these groups, please contact Ripon Library on 01609 536623.

Class visits

Class visits to the library may be organised.

Craft, knit and natter group

Everyone is welcome to bring their knitting, crochet or needlecraft and join our friendly group. They meet on Tuesdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Family history

Support to trace your family history using Ancestry.com is provided on Fridays. These sessions are by appointment only. Please contact the library to book your place.

Harrogate Stay

Harrogate Stay provide free support and advice services for tenants every Wednesday from 11am to 12:30pm.

IT support

Free IT support sessions by appointment are held on Mondays from 10am to 11:30am or from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.

Mental health support drop-in

A mental health support drop-in session with Harrogate Mind is held every Friday from 10am to 12 noon.

Monthly community information drop-in

Come along to the 'My Neighbourhood' community drop-in for free advice sessions for Ripon residents, run by Ripon Police. You can speak to the police about any concerns in an informal atmosphere. Representatives from other services (such as Adult Learning and Skills, or Diabetes UK) will also attend. The sessions are on Fridays, monthly, from 10am to 11.30am. Please contact the library for dates.

Squigglers art club

Squigglers art club is for young people aged ten and over. They meet every Monday from 4:30pm to 6pm. The cost is £2 per session.

Story and rhyme time

An interactive and creative story and rhyme time session held on Wednesdays from 10:15am to 11am during term-time. The sessions are aimed at promoting a love of books and stories in young children. These free sessions are delivered by a library volunteer and are for children aged two to five. To find out more please telephone 01609 532608.

Storytime, songs and simple crafts

Join us for stories, songs and a simple craft session every Thursday during term-time from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. The sessions are suitable for children aged up to four, are free and there’s no need to book, just drop-in. For more information, or to check dates, please contact the library.

Monthly diabetes support drop-ins

Pop along to the library for free drop-in sessions for those wanting information and advice about diabetes. They are held on the first Thursday of every month from 1pm to 2pm.

News and events

You can view news and events for all the libraries in North Yorkshire here.

Social media

You can follow North Yorkshire libraries on Library Service Twitter or Library Service Facebook page.

Volunteering

There are a number of opportunities to volunteer at the library. See the library volunteering page or ask at the library for further details.