Please note: York Minster will be open for services only from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 January inclusive. We will reopen for sightseeing on Monday 10 January.

The Old Palace Library and Archives are now open 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.

The Old Palace Library and Archives has re-opened 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.

We are offering:

• A limited number of research appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only to view material from the library and archives
• Photography and/or scanning of material – subject to staff resources and cost – if you are unable to visit

Please note that 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

• Mondays – Afternoon session only: 2.5 hours between 13.30 and 16.00
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays

– Morning session: 2.5 hours between 10.00 and 12.30

– Afternoon session: 2.5 hours between 13.30 and 16.00

• There will be a limit of 3 supervised appointments in the Reading Room per session
• You should limit your requests to 6 items per session (i.e. up to 12 items if you have booked two appointments)
• You can request a research session by using our online booking form

– You will receive an automated response initially, and staff will confirm your booking by email within two working days

– If you are having problems opening the booking link, try a private/incognito tab (on a mobile, this is usually done by holding down on the link until the options menu for opening appears)

Other service information

• University of York staff and students may borrow without charge from the Minster Library: requested books will be delivered to university libraries for collection
• Members of the public can borrows from the Minster Library for annual fee of £30

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

• 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)