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.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the notices below.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- Draperstown Library will be closed on Friday 31 July. Alternative libraries include Maghera and Magherafelt.
- Portadown Library's IT suite will be unavailable on Tuesday 4 August, the closest available computer suites are in Brownlow, Lurgan and Armagh City.
- Due to road works near Bessbrook Library current access is available via Green Road only. This will last approximately 2 weeks, please check back for updates.
- Newtownstewart Library will be closed on Saturday 1 August. Alternative libraries include Strabane.
- Ballycastle Library will be closed on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August. Alternative libraries include Ballymoney and Coleraine.
Belfast Central Library Fully Reopens to Customers
From Monday 3 August, Belfast Central Library will once again be fully open to customers, with the reopening of the first floor Reading Room.
Customers can once again enjoy the Reading Room for reading, study and research, marking the full reopening of all public areas within the library.
We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding.
UPDATES RELATING TO OUT OF HOURS SERVICE, AVAILABLE IN SOME LIBRARIES:
More information on the Out of Hours Service
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- The Cross Border Mobile Library will be unavailable from Wednesday 29 July until Friday 31 July inclusive.
- Tyrone Mobile Library will be unavailable on Thursday 30 July.
- Causeway Mobile Library will be temporarily unavailable from Monday 3 August due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Craigavon and Armagh Mobile library is temporarily unavailable due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Carrickfergus Mobile Library has some changes during July and August - click here to view details.
- Ballymena 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.
