Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
CUSTOMER NOTICE - Bank Holiday Closure
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 25 May and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road. The Out of Hours Service will be available in applicable libraries.
You can check out our eResources via our website or app.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the notices below.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
Unfortunately, Dungannon Library will remain closed until at least mid-June following significant flooding within the building.
As a result of apparent issues in the underground drainage network serving the library and adjoining properties, excess water and debris entered the ground floor of the library, causing flooding throughout and leaving carpets and other finishes unsalvageable. Further flooding also occurred due to the volume of water affecting toilets on the upper floors.
Once the affected areas have been cleaned and dried, reinstatement, repair and redecoration work will be required across a large number of areas in the library. These circumstances are beyond our control and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused, particularly for the many local students who regularly use the library as a study space. Schools and local stakeholders have been contacted to make them aware of the closure.
We are currently working to establish a Book and Collect service, where possible, with further details to be confirmed. Customers can also continue to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers through our online library services. Book loan periods have been extended to cover the closure and items can be renewed online using your library membership card and PIN number.
We will continue to provide updates through our website and social media channels and will work as quickly as possible to reopen the library.
- Bangor Carnegie Library will be closed from 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Wednesday 20 May. Alternative libraries include Newtownards and Donaghadee.
- Newry City Library will be closed from 9:30am - 10:30am on Tuesday 19 May. Alternative libraries include Banbridge.
- Ballycastle Library will be closed from 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Thursday 21 May. Alternative libraries include Ballymoney and Coleraine.
- Warrenpoint Library will be closed on Saturday 16 May due to essential maintenance. Alternative libraries include Newry City and Rathfriland.
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:
N/A
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Armagh and Craigavon Mobile Library will have a reduced service from Monday 11 May due to essential vehicle maintenance. However, the Armagh and Craigavon mobile Library will be operating on full service from Thursday 14 May.
- Newry Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- 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.
