Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library

Joseph started a library for employees in 1885 believing it was important for people to use their leisure time in a positive and creative way. He had a lifelong love of books, read extensively throughout his life and liked to discuss books with his children and encourage them to read. The development of a staff library was the first step towards the creation of a large number of clubs and societies to support staff in education and well-being. Joseph also helped to create York City Library, now York Explore Library and Archive with branches across the city. It is a fitting memorial to Joseph that the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library was built at the Cocoa Works, opening in 1927 and housing over 10,000 books. The library was designed by Colin Rowntree, son of Fred, and is an Arts and Crafts building which retains a large number of fixtures and fittings of high quality.

Image: York Explore