The current library physical premises comprise a series of three linked buildings to the north side of the University of York Heslington West campus.

Since the library's inception its collections have grown to encompass more than a million items, including books, journals, music scores, theses and dissertations, and digital media.

[3] The original library building was named after John Bowes Morrell, a keen supporter for the establishment of a university in York, and a former Lord Mayor of the city.

[6] A major £20 million refurbishment was completed in 2012,[7] expanding the footprint of the library to include an additional building adjacent to the Morrell.

Novelist and alumnus Anthony Horowitz officially reopened the newly refurbished and expanded University library in February 2012.

[9] The historic King's Manor Library is located in the centre of York in a Grade I listed building on Exhibition Square.

King's Manor Library: Houses collections focused mainly on architecture, heritage management and stained glass.