Harrogate Library

Is it right for my child?

• Under 5s: the storytimes are for children under five and their families or carers. The council says sessions vary, but all include rhymes and stories. They are free and all are welcome.
• Babies and toddlers: the council says no one is too young to join the library. Its libraries stock strong, brightly coloured board books for babies and toddlers learning to handle books.
• No worries about damage: the council’s general children’s page says there are no charges for lost or damaged children’s books.
• Other groups: Harrogate Library lists regular free groups, including a code club and an all aboard games group. The page gives no ages or times, so ask in the library.
• Teenagers: the council says its libraries are friendly spaces where young people can read, meet friends, do homework and use the internet. You do not have to be a member to visit.
• Reading challenges: North Yorkshire libraries run a reading challenge for children each summer and Christmas.
• Sensory notes: the official page does not describe noise or lighting levels in the building.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Check the day. The library opens Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. It is closed on Sundays.
• Aim for storytime on a Monday at 2pm or a Friday at 10am in term-time. The page does not mention booking.
• Join while you are there. The council says joining any North Yorkshire library is free, with no ID needed. You can also join online.
• Bring your library card on later visits. The council’s terms ask members to bring it.
• Driving? Pay and display parking is limited to 2 hours on Victoria Avenue or 3 hours on Raglan Street.
• Pack snacks. The library lists tea and coffee, but the official page does not mention a café.

Prices and tickets

The library page lists no entry charge. The council’s general children’s page says joining North Yorkshire libraries and borrowing books is free. The Harrogate page says storytimes and its listed regular groups are free.

The council’s library charges page, which covers all North Yorkshire libraries, lists these costs:

• Children’s audiobooks and story CDs: free to borrow for three weeks.
• DVDs: £2.60 each for three weeks. Music CDs cost £1.60.
• Requests: children, teenagers and young adults are not charged for requesting children’s or teenage books. This exemption covers the young person only, not their family.
• Computers: library members can use the computers for 60 minutes a day free of charge.
• Lost card: the first replacement card is free. After that there is a £2 charge.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Getting in: the entrance has a ramp and automatic doors.
• Inside: there is lift access to all levels, and all public areas are accessible to wheelchairs. The page does not mention pushchairs directly.
• Toilets: the library lists toilets, disabled toilets and a Changing Places toilet.
• Baby changing: the official page does not mention baby changing facilities, so bring a changing mat.
• For parents: the library lists a parents’ collection among its facilities.

Food and drink

The library lists tea and coffee among its facilities, but the official page does not mention a café or food. The page does not say whether you can eat inside. The library sits next to the rose garden, just off Station Parade.

Getting there and parking

• Address: Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate HG1 1EG.
• By train or bus: the council says the bus station and railway station are both a few minutes’ walk away.
• By car: pay and display parking is available for up to two hours on Victoria Avenue. There is also pay and display for up to three hours on Raglan Street, at the rear of the building.
• Blue Badge: disabled parking spaces are on Victoria Avenue near the library entrance.
• Finding it: the library is next to the rose garden, just off Station Parade.

When to visit

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays.
• Later opening: it stays open until 7pm from Monday to Thursday.
• Storytimes: Mondays at 2pm and Fridays at 10am, during term-time only.
• Christmas and New Year: on 12 November 2026 the library page listed no Christmas or New Year hours or closures. Contact the library before visiting over the holidays.
• School holidays: storytimes are listed for term-time only, so do not plan on one during school holidays.

Additional needs and disability support

The Harrogate Library page lists most of these features. The stim kits come from the council’s general SEND libraries page.

Frequently asked questions

Is Harrogate Library free?

The library page lists no entry charge, and storytimes are free. The council’s general children’s page says joining North Yorkshire libraries and borrowing books is free. The council’s charges page lists some extras, such as DVDs at £2.60.

When is storytime at Harrogate Library?

Storytimes for under 5s and their families are on Mondays at 2pm and Fridays at 10am. They run during term-time only.

Is Harrogate Library open on Sundays?

No. It is closed on Sundays. It opens Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.

Can you take a pushchair to Harrogate Library?

The page does not mention pushchairs directly. It says there is a ramp, automatic doors and lift access to all levels, and all public areas are accessible to wheelchairs.

Where do you park for Harrogate Library?

Use pay and display on Victoria Avenue for up to two hours, or on Raglan Street at the rear for up to three hours. Disabled spaces are on Victoria Avenue near the entrance.

Is Harrogate Library good for autistic children?

The Harrogate page says you can pick up a sunflower lanyard to show staff you may need extra help. The council’s SEND page says six stim kits are shared across its libraries for events or activities. The Harrogate page does not list relaxed storytimes.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official North Yorkshire Council pages for Harrogate Library, libraries for children and young people, SEND library resources, joining the library and library charges. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.