PASSIONATE residents are being given the chance to shape the future of York's libraries and archives.

Explore York Libraries and Archives Mutual Ltd is offering people the chance to become a community member to vote at Annual General Meetings, join advisory groups that support the libraries’ work and stand for election to the board as community directors.

All members will receive a quarterly newsletter, as well as a loyalty card for the reading cafes in Rowntree Park and at York and Acomb libraries.

Fiona Williams, chief executive, said: "Becoming a community member is a real opportunity for people to have a say in how their libraries and archives develop and grow.

"You decide how much time you want to commit, from simply reading the newsletter to volunteering to standing for the board.

"With York Explore about to reopen on Monday, January 5, including the new state-of-the-art Archives and refurbished cafe, this is a great time to get involved."

Libraries and Archives transferred out of City of York Council to become Explore in May this year.

It is the first of its kind in the country and is committed to keeping all of York’s 14 libraries, two reading cafes and mobile library open, with paid staff in every one.

Anyone over the age of 16 who supports Explore’s objectives can become a community member.

It is separate from library membership and does not affect access to any library resources. Membership forms and more information can be found in your local library or online at www.exploreyork.org.uk.

York Explore Library Learning Centre will reopen on January 5 following the conclusion of the building phase of the York: Gateway to History Archive project supported with a £1,574,200 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant and renovation work to the Grade II listed building.