Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 23
shaped with you
Shaped with you:
people at the
heart of Explore
Explore is a different kind of public
service – a mutual society owned
by members of the community and
by the staff who work here, and
governed by a board of directors
who are all local people rooted in
York.
Our staff tell us how proud they are to work
for Explore and they believe they make a real
difference to the community. Volunteers
made a difference by giving 15,299 hours
of their time over the year to support
Explore. Our welcoming spaces, and
passionate staff and volunteers
are what make our libraries and
archives special.
Collaboration is at our heart.
Thank you to
everyone who got
involved, made
a difference and
helped to shape
Explore in 2021.
Our board of directors
Explore’s directors help shape the future
for libraries and archives in York. They oversee
the way we work, monitor our performance
and help set our strategy and yearly plans and
budgets. All directors are volunteers, they serve
for up to six years on the board and give their
time for free.
In 2021 we agreed to increase the number of
places on the board and four new directors
will join us from September 2022. Two will be
elected by existing board members, and two will
be elected by our community members, further
strengthening the voice of local people at
board level.
Community members
We have around 800 members now, but we
want more. Anyone over 16 can join Explore
as a community member. This is different to
library membership, as a community member
you are a joint owner of Explore.
In 2022 we will be changing the way we work
with our community members and offering
more ways to have a say. We believe our
libraries and archives are better when, rather
than being something we provide for you,
they are shaped and made with you. With
more people from our communities involved
as members we can be more responsive and
better able to understand what people want.
Join us as a community member
Get more involved in shaping your libraries and archives now and into the future and join us as
a community member. If you love Explore, our libraries, and our work we want to hear from you.
Are you a champion for accessibility, sustainability, or diversity?
Do you have ideas about digital inclusion, improving literacy, or
fundraising?
Do you love Explore libraries and archives and see their potential for
achieving even more for our community?
Whatever your passion, be part of our next chapter.
Join us exploreyork.org.uk/community-membership/
Your Explore – Shaped with You
22
Explore Together Annual Review 2021/22
Explore Together Annual Review 2021/22
23
