The Old Palace Library and Archives will re-open on 18th May for appointment ONLY visits with no walk-in access. Booking requests for these appointments can be made via our online form HERE. Further information about the re-opening can be found below.

Please note opening arrangements are subject to change at any time in accordance with changes to national or local Covid-19 restrictions or government advice, or in the event of local operational issues.

Essential information

• An appointment must be made before visiting – there is currently no walk-in access.
• Books and documents must be pre-ordered.
• Contact information must be provided at the point of booking.
• Please do not book or attend if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19), if you have tested positive within the last 10 days, or if you have been contacted by NHS: Test and Trace.

Appointments: key information

Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.
Morning session: 2 hours between 10:00 and 12:15.
Afternoon session: 2 hours between 13:45 and 16:00.

• Visitors should not book more than 2 sessions per week to allow as many people as possible to visit.
• There is a limit of 2 visitors allowed in the Reading Room per session.
• Arrival times will be staggered for each visitor.
• Booking requests should be made via the online form.
• For any other question regarding visits, please contact collections@yorkminster.org.

For the health and safety of staff and visitors, we are introducing:

• Appointment-only visits and an NHS: Test and Trace check-in.
• Mandatory face covering for visitors and staff (except where medically exempt).
• Full cleaning procedures of work spaces before and after appointments.
• Cleaning stations and ventilation.
• A quarantine system for books and documents that have used by visitors and staff

We will be offering:

• A limited number of research appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only to view material from the library and archives.
• A book delivery service for University of York staff and students* to enable collection and return at J.B. Morrell and King’s Manor libraries.

*Non-University library members will be able to arrange returns and loan collection by email.

Other service information

• University of York staff and students may borrow without charge from the Minster Library.
• Members of the public can borrows from the Minster Library for annual fee of £30.
• Two Wifi networks are available: Eduroam for members of participating universities (including University of York) and CityConnect which is available to all.
• Photocopying is currently suspended but self-service photography is permitted (charges will apply).