North Yorkshire libraries add free start-up support
North Yorkshire libraries have introduced a free business book collection aimed at people starting a company, growing a small firm or testing an idea before taking the next step.
The North Yorkshire library service has worked with economic development colleagues to build a focused set of titles for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The books can be reserved by library members at a local branch, through the libraries app or online.
Free business books for start-ups and small firms
The new collection is designed for readers who want practical guidance rather than a formal course. It covers business planning, leadership, growth and the early decisions many founders face before trading or expanding.
North Yorkshire Council said the collection was launched at The Sky’s the Limit – Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling business event in Harrogate, where 12 local women in business shared experience on leadership and professional success.
Councillor Simon Myers, the council’s executive member for arts and culture, said the collection is intended to help start-ups and small businesses “thrive” with practical ideas available through the library network.
How to reserve the books and use library support
Library members can reserve the books free of charge from their local library, on the libraries app or through the council’s library website.
The wider library offer may also help people working on a business idea. Branches provide free Wi-Fi, access to computers, and services such as printing, scanning and photocopying. People who need help using technology can also ask about support from volunteer IT buddies.
Business users can access Complete Business Reference Advisor, an online database with start-up guides and ideas for more than 350 types of businesses. The resource also includes information on local business support, market and sector guides, and rules and regulations that new firms may need to understand before launching.
Harrogate event linked books with business advice
Georgia Eckert, owner and founder of Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate, was among the speakers at The Sky’s the Limit event.
She said books had been “an integral source of knowledge and encouragement” before she opened her bookshop nine years ago, adding that the new list could help people in the early planning stages of a business.
“It could connect the dots or give you that push to finally do something you’ve always dreamed about,” she said.
Free guidance from Business North Yorkshire
The library collection sits alongside Business North Yorkshire, part of the council’s economy and tourism team. The service provides free, impartial advice for local businesses, from first ideas through to established firms looking to grow.
Residents who want to use the new book collection should start with their nearest North Yorkshire library or the libraries app, while those needing tailored business guidance can contact the council’s business support team.
Source: North Yorkshire Council
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This article was written from North Yorkshire Council’s published update and kept to the services and access routes described there.
- Checked that the book collection is described as free to reserve for library members.
- Confirmed the support offer includes Wi-Fi, computers, printing, scanning, photocopying an...
- Checked that Complete Business Reference Advisor is listed as a library member resource.
- Kept the geographic scope to North Yorkshire rather than the publisher name.
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- North Yorkshire Council
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- North Yorkshire
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- 2026-05-27 19:22
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