Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
CUSTOMER NOTICE - Easter Bank Holidays Closure
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Monday, 6 April and Easter Tuesday, 7 April 2026 and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road. The Out of Hours Service will also be unavailable on these dates.
You can check out our eResources via our website or app.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the following notices.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- Newtownstewart Library will be closed on Friday 3 April. Alternative libraries include Strabane and Castlederg.
- Coleraine Library's lift is currently out of service, we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Portrush Library will be closed on Wednesday 1 April. Alternative libraries include Coleraine and Portstewart.
Rathcoole Library Reopens with New Look and Sensory Space
Rathcoole Library will reopen on Thursday 2 April at 9:30am following refurbishment works, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.
The improvements have given the library a fresh new look, including new flooring throughout, redecoration in key areas, a reconfigured layout and new furniture. The result is a brighter, more modern and comfortable space for the local community to enjoy.
As part of the refurbishment, a dedicated sensory and early years environment has also been created, complete with a sensory mural and interactive features, which will be available during opening hours.
We appreciate your patience during the closure and look forward to seeing you back in Rathcoole Library soon.
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:
- Saintfield Library Out of Hours Service is temporarily unavailable due to essential maintenance.
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Fermanagh Mobile Library will be unavailable on Wednesday 8 April.
- Carrickfergus Mobile Library will be unavailable on Friday 3 April, Wednesday 8 April and Thursday 9 April.
- North West Mobile Library will be temporarily unavailable from Thursday 2 April until Friday 10 April inclusive.
- 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.
