North Yorkshire Council’s library service has unveiled a new set of calendars featuring historic images of local landmarks, with sales helping to support the county’s library services.
Following the success of last year’s three editions, which sold out and raised around £1,350, four new calendars for 2026 have been created. They showcase photographs dating from the late 19th century to the 1950s, covering Skipton, Selby, Knaresborough and Harrogate.
Skipton’s edition features images of people and animals, including scenes from the Coronation of George V, the fire brigade, and an outing of a large, old-fashioned coach. Harrogate’s calendar highlights the Pump Rooms, Valley Gardens and smaller streets such as Ginnel, Albert Street and West Street.
Knaresborough’s edition draws on its postcard archive, showing views of the Market Square, the River Nidd and a striking winter image of the frozen river beneath the viaduct, where people can be seen skating. Selby’s calendar uses photographs donated by the public, capturing events including the 1947 flood and the 1906 fire at the town’s abbey.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We were overwhelmed with the popularity of the calendars last year, and staff and volunteers have enjoyed sifting through more images to create 2026 editions. Archive images get people talking, capturing life among communities from bygone years across some of North Yorkshire’s towns. The calendars are the perfect gift for friends, family and loved ones this Christmas. The profits will go towards maintaining our vital library services.”
The 2026 calendars are on sale at Skipton, Selby, Knaresborough and Harrogate libraries for £6.
