Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
Libraries NI’s Summer Opening Hours will take effect from Monday 29 June until Saturday 29 August 2026 inclusive.
Many customers use libraries differently over the summer so please check our website for the summer hour schedules for your local library, mobile library and/or the Out of Hours service.
During the summer, there will be an extensive programme of free activities across all our libraries, including events supporting the Big Summer Read.
And don’t forget, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, can be borrowed throughout the Summer.
If you want to find out more about events, eResources or library opening hours, call into your local library or visit our website and social media channels for further details.
July Holiday Closures
All Libraries NI’s public libraries will be closed on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 July 2026.
The Mobile Library service will be off the road from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July 2026 inclusive.
The Out of Hours service will be closed from Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 July 2026 (inclusive), reopening on Wednesday 15 July 2026 in Out of Hours libraries.
Please remember that eServices (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers) are available during this period, and joining online is free.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the notices below.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- The Mellon Centre for Migration Studies will be closed from 12:30pm on Wednesday 24 June until Friday 26 June inclusive.
- Belfast Central Library will open at the later time of 9:30am on Thursday 25 June.
- Donaghadee Library will be closed from 12:30pm - 1:00pm on Friday 26 June. Alternative libraries include Bangor Carnegie and Newtownards.
Belfast Central Library Service Update
Belfast Central Library is open to the public. However, the first-floor Reading Room remains closed while repair works continue in that area of the building. All other services, including the NI Writers’ Room and the Heritage Department, remain open as normal.
We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as works progress and full services resume.
UPDATES RELATING TO OUT OF HOURS SERVICE, AVAILABLE IN SOME LIBRARIES:
More information on the Out of Hours Service
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Bangor/Lisburn Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Down Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
- Dungannon Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
UPDATES RELATING TO HOMECALL SERVICE:
N/A
DIGITAL LIBRARY SERVICE CHANGES
Libraries NI’s digital library service will no longer be available through the Borrow Box app after 31 January 2026 at 11:59pm.
From 1 February 2026, Libraries NI’s digital library will be available through the Libby app only, bringing eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines together in one place.
What this means for you:
• If you use Libby, nothing changes — you can continue reading and listening as normal
• If you use BorrowBox, current loans or reservations may end when the app closes
If you have items borrowed through BorrowBox, you may wish to finish them before 31 January.
Getting started
Watch our short online video, which shows how to download Libby and start reading or listening. If you’d rather speak to someone in person, staff in your local library can help when you visit.
