Visiting York Minster Library and Archives

Opening times

Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Lunchtimes, Fridays, weekends and Bank Holidays: closed

You may visit without appointment to browse or borrow books, use the Reading Room as a quiet study space and view a selection of historic books on display.

If you are visiting, please use the intercom to the left of the door to gain access as the main door will be locked.

The Library and Archives are located in the Old Palace, behind York Minster, across Dean’s Park.

Please note that, unfortunately, the lift to the first floor Reading Room has unexpectedly failed, with a replacement anticipated by the end of the year. The Reading Room can currently only be accessed by a flight of stairs. If you have physical access requirements, please contact us in advance of your visit so that we can discuss options and seek to assist you. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and aim to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Enquiries email collections@yorkminster.org or telephone (01904) 557250.

Discovering our collections

We have nearly 40,000 books printed after 1850, including histories of York and York Minster that you are welcome to browse without any charge or appointment.

You can also request items from the York Minster Archive, or from the extensive Special Collections section of the library (all books printed before 1801, as well as the Yorkshire Collection). You will need to book an advance appointment for this material: please see booking information, below.

You can search for items before you visit:

Search for specific books or general subjects by using the University of York catalogue and applying the filter for “York Minster Library” to your results.
Search the archive of the Chapter of York, along with the manuscript and object collections, by using the Minster’s own online catalogue.

Booking an appointment

Appointments are available:

Monday to Wednesday: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm

There are no appointments on Thursdays or Fridays.

You must make a prior appointment to see material from Library Special Collections or Archives (retrieval of items is not possible without advance notice).

You can do this by emailing us directly at collections@yorkminster.org with details of your request and dates of availability. You should give at least a week’s notice for archival requests, and a full working days’ notice for library material.

If you are able to visit but unable to find what you are looking for in the catalogue, please let us know at collections@yorkminster.org and we may recommend that you book an appointment to consult some of our paper catalogues that have not been added to the online catalogue yet.

You should limit your requests to 6 items per session (i.e. up to 12 items if you wish to book both morning and afternoon appointments).

Staff will confirm your booking by email within two working days. There will be a fee to access archival resources for visitors outside of the University of York (£10.50 for general visitors, payable by card on arrival: reduced fees for external students apply).

What to expect on your visit

Research room guidelines will apply for the security of the collection: you will be asked, for example, to leave coats and bags in a locker on arrival, and only take pencils, paper and electronic devices into the Reading Room
Photography is permitted in the Reading Room, but you must purchase a day permit from a member of staff on duty (£10.00)
The Eduroam wifi network is available in the Reading Room for members of participating universities (including University of York). Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer public wifi for other visitors.
University of York staff and students: the Minster Library does not have bookable IT or printing facilities. Photography charges still apply but borrowing is free.
Non-University library members will be able to arrange loan collection and returns by email