North Yorkshire libraries offer free help for start-ups

North Yorkshire library members can now use a new free book collection aimed at people starting, running or growing a small business.

The North Yorkshire library service has curated the collection with the council’s economic development team, giving entrepreneurs access to practical reading on planning, leadership, finance, marketing and business growth. The books are available through local libraries, the libraries app and the council’s online library service.

The launch was marked in Harrogate at The Sky’s the Limit, a business event focused on women in leadership and professional success.

Free business books at local libraries

The collection is intended for two main groups: people already in business and people testing an idea before they commit money, time or premises.

Readers can reserve the books free of charge as library members. The offer sits alongside existing library facilities that can help early-stage businesses keep costs down, including free Wi-Fi, public computers, printing, scanning and photocopying.

Councillor Simon Myers, executive member for arts and culture, said the collection is designed to give start-ups and small businesses practical ideas, and urged “business-minded people” to make use of the service.

How to access the support

Library members can reserve titles from their local library, through the libraries app or online through the library catalogue.

They can also use Complete Business Reference Advisor, an online database available through the library service. The database includes start-up guides and ideas covering more than 350 types of businesses, alongside market and sector guides, business rules and regulations, and information on local business support.

For people who are less confident using digital services, North Yorkshire libraries also offer help from volunteer IT buddies. That support may be useful for tasks such as using online databases, searching for business information or accessing council services.

Harrogate launch linked books with business experience

The launch took place at The Sky’s the Limit – Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling in Harrogate, where 12 local women in business shared experience on leadership and professional progress.

Georgia Eckert, owner and founder of Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate, was among the speakers. She said books had been “an integral source of knowledge and encouragement” before she opened her bookshop nine years ago.

She said the new list could help people in the early planning stages by connecting ideas, filling knowledge gaps or giving them the confidence to act on a long-held business ambition.

Wider business guidance in North Yorkshire

The library collection is part of a wider local support offer for enterprise across North Yorkshire.

Business North Yorkshire, part of the council’s economy and tourism team, provides free and impartial guidance for local firms. Its advisers support people from the first stages of a business idea through to established companies looking to grow.

The council says further details about library resources are available through its libraries service, while businesses can contact the Business North Yorkshire team for practical support.

Source: North Yorkshire Council

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This guide was written from North Yorkshire Council’s notice about the new library business book collection and related support services.

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• Checked that the offer applies to libraries across North Yorkshire.
• Separated library book reservations from the wider Business North Yorkshire advisory servi...
• Verified the named Harrogate launch event and the two quoted local figures from the source...

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North Yorkshire Council

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North Yorkshire

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2026-05-27 19:25

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Simon MyersGeorgia Eckert

#Complete Business Reference Advisor#Harrogate business support#North Yorkshire Council#North Yorkshire library service#small business resources#start-up guidance#The Sky’s the Limit

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