Visit Masham Community Library
Mashamshire Community Office stepped in to provide a home for the Library when it closed in 2012. We became one of the first Community Libraries in North Yorkshire, housing a small library which is supported by North Yorkshire Council Library Services resources and systems, but is run by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The library opens six days a week. Our small, friendly, team of volunteers are here to help and you can always be assured of a warm welcome. Our library is fully accessible thanks to our lovely lift!
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
Monday – Saturday 10am-3pm.
Parking is available on the street or in Masham Market Square which is very handy.
How The Library Works
The Library team get to know their customers really well, ensuring they keep the shelves well stocked with a diverse selection of appealing books and resources.
Whether you are a fan of fiction or fantasy, drama or history, ‘ologies or ornithology, our team will find something to suit you.
Membership
It just takes a few minutes to sign up for a free Library Card. Once you have a card you can borrow or return books to any of North Yorkshire’s libraries – there is no requirement to show ID or proof of address as everyone is a member of NYLibraries.
Enjoy Books Your Way
We have a variety of formats – large print and audiobooks. In addition, your library card means you have online access to a huge range of books, articles, magazines and graphic novels to read on your own device.
Borrowing, Returning, Renewing & Reserving
Our volunteers can help, or there is also an easy to use self-service machine in the library which can be used to borrow, return or renew books. If it’s not on the shelves, our volunteers can help you reserve books from the North Yorkshire Library Network’s huge stock – there is a small charge, currently £1, for reservations. The team will let you know when your book is ready for collection – most orders take about two weeks.
Access to The Internet
If you need a quiet space to access the internet, we have computers you can use – completely free for up to one hour per day – just ask downstairs at the front desk.
See More About The Community LibraryOther Special Interests
We have books and resources and activities for a range of special interests too…
Little Readers
During school term you might find that our library is full of little readers. Children from Acorns Pre-School and local schools visit on Wednesdays over lunchtime, to take part in storytime. If your child is between 4 ad 10 years old, they can get involved in their very own Summer and Christmas Reading Challenge. Watch this space for dates for 2025.
Reading Themes
Throughout the year North Yorkshire Libraries promote special reading themes. These aim to get members involved with topical books and activities aligned to these. Here are the special themes we have planned already:
- May – Local History Month
- Jun – 2nd – 7th – Under 5’s Week
- Jul – Sep – Summer Reading Challenge
- Oct – Get Online Week (tbc)
- Nov – Self Care Week (tbc)
Keep in touch with special themes by signing up to our Community eNewsletter or following our Community Library Facebook page.
Local History
The Library has a range of hard copy records that have been collated from various sources including the North Yorkshire Council and Masham History Society. There is an extensive history area in the library containing books and pamphlets that provide a glimpse into the lives of Masham past residents. There is also the Parish Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths and specific details on St Mary’s graveyard.
Please feel free to call in and take a look – see if you can spot a familiar face or story among the contents! Please note that this reference material cannot be borrowed.
The local history material is often consulted by locals, but summer brings with it a raft of visitors wondering if they can trace their great grandfather, or look up a family name in the parish registers.
Mental Health Resources
The Library stock the ‘Reading Well’ series of books which deal with a range of issues including depression, anxiety & dementia etc. These are an approved series written by qualified practitioners.
To supplement these we also have two different Wellbeing Bags – one aimed at adults and one at teenagers. These can be borrowed without charge on your library card. They have a collection of resources designed to help reduce anxiety, aid relaxation and mindfulness. Please ask a library volunteer if you’d like to borrow one of these.
If you find that you need further support – then why not book an appointment with MIND, the mental health charity, who run weekly outreach sessions in the Community Hub. Check out the next sessions below.
Find MIND Sessions