Library & Information Services

The public library service consists of 42 static and 12 mobile libraries, a Home Library and Information Service and a Prison Library Service. We also provide a Library Service for schools. With a budget of over £7 million and employing over 300 staff, North Yorkshire’s public libraries issue over 3 million items and receive almost 2.5 million visitors each year.

Teams based throughout the County, each managed by a Team Leader, are responsible for delivering all aspects of public library services in their area. Harrogate and Scarborough Libraries are stand-alone centres managed by a Principal Officer.

An on-going capital plan is replacing or refurbishing libraries, and providing longer opening hours. All staff are required to deliver services at times appropriate to customer needs, and a key requirement is a flexible approach to working hours and location.

Community and Information Officers provide and develop professional services, supported by Community and Information Assistants who deal with day-to-day routines. Project Officers have responsibility for specialised areas of service e.g. Information, Local Studies and Social Inclusion. Operational Support Assistants support the public service staff.

The Service Headquarters at Northallerton houses the Support Services department (stock and administrative functions), the School Library Service and is the base for the Assistant Director (Information) plus other senior staff.