YORK Explore team is challenging local businesses to donate £90 as it marks 90 years since opening, to help the library and archive continue its work of inspiring York people.

For 90 years the iconic Walter Brierley architect-designed public library has been at the heart of the city, sparking imaginations and shaping futures.

As part of the celebration York Explore is also asking customers to give 90 for 90 – either 90p or 90 minutes of time.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, James Henderson said: “For 90 years this iconic building has been at the heart of York’s community, providing opportunities for everyone, of all ages and backgrounds.

"But our sights are set on our city’s bright future. We will continue to be relevant, exciting and accessible to everyone in our community.

"We will spark imaginations and give the people of York somewhere to dream, to discover and to experiment, a place for absolutely everyone.

"York is already an exciting, digitally-creative and imaginative city. By giving everyone access to these opportunities, we can create our own home-grown hotbed of talent.

"Your donation will help us to realise that future. With your help we can shape a unique and vibrant future for York.

"Your donation could spark a child living in poverty to go to university. It could help a disabled person discover a hidden talent for art.

"Or it could help an older person to unlock a new world of digital opportunities.”

Businesses donating £90 will be featured on a unique piece of art, commissioned especially for the project.

To make a donation visit the 90 for 90 pledge page at https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/90-for-90-pledge-page/

York Explore is an Industrial and Provident Society with charitable status.

It is one third owned by staff and two thirds by community members.

Anyone over 16 can be a community member and own one share in Explore.

The society is delivering York’s statutory public library service and archives under contract to CYC for 5 years (2014-19).

It works in close, strong partnership with CYC and other organisations, such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, the Wellcome Trust, The Arts Council and York Learning.

All the libraries are run by paid staff supported by volunteers.

All libraries have public access computers and free wifi and support people to get online