DURING my commute into York one morning, I heard a story on the BBC Today programme about Donna Ashworth and her poem Most People Are Good. That phrase has since become a mantra for me – a way to stay grounded in a challenging world.
I truly believe that Explore York Libraries and Archives are a beacon of goodness. Our customers make up a wonderful community, and we are grateful for your support.
In January 2025, we relaunched our Community Membership scheme, inviting supporters to become part of our story. Nearly 300 of you joined that first weekend. Membership costs just £1, representing a share in Explore, but many generously gave more. Your support helps us continue to provide the activities and events you love. Thank you.
Another heartwarming example of generosity came in March. Our book collections cater to every reader, from bestsellers to classics. However, with rising costs reducing what we can buy with our book budget, we sometimes struggle to meet demand for popular titles. So, we reached out to you for help. We published a list of our top ten most requested books and invited donations. Within days, a kind supporter donated all ten. Since that first donation we have received many more from library lovers across the city. Thank you.
Hearing the impact of our work is always rewarding. In December, in partnership with the National Centre for Early Music, we hosted pop-up concerts in several libraries. Baroque Around the Books, featuring the talented duo Intesa – musicians Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti – brought the sounds of the viol and voice to our Explore Centres. I have written in The York Press before about my love for live performances in libraries, and the response from audiences confirmed that many in York feel the same.
Baroque Around The Books. Photo by Charlie Kirkpatrick for NCEM
“It was wonderful; it felt like a gift to York. Thank you so much – these are difficult times for many of us, and this felt so positive and generous.”
“It was an emotional experience, and my heart feels full. Thank you. I can’t afford concerts often and sometimes feel they are too ‘posh,’ but I loved this. I listen to early music at home but have only attended the NCEM once before.”
In his 1989 book The Great Good Place, US sociologist Ray Oldenburg highlighted how libraries, bookshops, coffee shops, and pubs play a crucial role in addressing modern challenges like loneliness and political division. He described these spaces as “third places” – vital for community wellbeing and foundations of democracy.
Public libraries, in particular, provide a warm welcome to all. They bring together people of different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. They are places where conflicts can be resolved, friendships formed, and ideas shared. They offer refuge to those who feel excluded elsewhere. Best of all, they remain free and open to everyone – one of the last places where you can spend time without any expectation to pay.
These community spaces are part of our essential social infrastructure, just as important as roads and bridges. They deserve investment and recognition.
So, if the world ever feels overwhelming, come to Explore. Because in my experience, everyone on our team is good – and we hope to remind you that, even in difficult times, most people are good.
Jenny Layfield, is the Chief Executive Explore York Libraries and Archives
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(471x244:473x246)/CNN-New-Years-Eve-with-Anderson-Cooper-123124-9952e5f00fc1425f87113ba2bfb97b29.jpg "Anderson Cooper Says He Once ‘Hated’ New Year’s Eve While Co-Hosting CNN Broadcast")
