Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 31 August 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.
LOCAL LIBRARIES RETURN TO WINTER OPENING HOURS FROM 1 SEPTEMBER
Winter opening hours will be in operation across all libraries from Tuesday 1 September, with late night opening available once again for customers. Please note that all libraries will be closed on Monday 31 August for the Bank Holiday.
For full details of your local library's opening hours, please keep an eye on our website or check local Facebook pages from Tuesday 1 September.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the notices below.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
Customers planning to visit Bangor Carnegie Library over the coming weeks should be aware of resurfacing works on Hamilton Road/Park Drive, which may affect access and parking in the area.
Please note: During the road closures, customers will not be able to access the library car park. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Monday 24 August – Friday 4 September
Lane closures will be in place from 9.30am–6.00pm, Monday to Friday, with no on-street parking available during these times.
Monday 7 – Friday 18 September
Night-time road closures will be in place from 7.00pm–6.00am, Monday to Friday.
Bangor Carnegie Library will remain open as usual, but if you're visiting us, please allow a little extra time for your journey and be aware that parking close to the library may be limited.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you.
- Donaghadee Library will be closed from 4:00pm - 4:30pm on Wednesday 9 September. Alternative libraries Newtownards and Comber.
Customer Lift – Belfast Central Library The customer lift in Belfast Central Library is currently unavailable while essential maintenance work is carried out. Customers who require lift access can use the staff lift to access all floors of the library. Please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to assist. We apologise for any inconvenience.
- Lisburn City Library's first to second floor escalator currently isn't working. However, there is access to the second floor via the lift and stairs.
- 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:
- Bangor Mobile Library will be unavailable from Wednesday 19 August until Monday 24 August inclusive.
- Craigavon and Armagh Mobile library is temporarily unavailable due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Carrickfergus Mobile Library has some changes during August - click here to view details.
- 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.
