THE work of library and adult learning teams in York has been highlighted in a Government policy document.

City of York Council and insurance giant Aviva joined forces last year as part of a £540,000 refurbishment of York’s Central Library, which saw the creation of a new Explore centre complete with a café, changing space facilities and learning rooms, with financial courses also being offered to residents. Now the Government has outlined the partnership as an innovative way of delivering services.

Fiona Williams, the council’s head of libraries and heritage and president of the Society of Chief Librarians, said: “More and more people are using libraries in York and the new Explore centre will be our flagship.”

David Schofield, of Aviva’s corporate responsibility section, said: “Our aim is to provide prosperity and peace of mind and this effective partnership with the council is about making a real difference to real people to help them learn and thrive.”