Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
CUSTOMER NOTICE - Bank Holiday Closures
All Libraries NI’s public and mobile libraries will be closed on Saturday 12, Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 July. Libraries will reopen on Wednesday 16 July.
The Out of Hours service will be closed from Friday 11 July until Tuesday 15 July inclusive reopening on Wednesday 16 July in Out of Hours libraries.
Please remember that eServices (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers) are available during this period, and joining online is free.
LIBRARIES NI SUMMER OPENING HOURS
Libraries NI’s Summer Opening Hours across the network of libraries will take effect from Monday 30 June until Saturday 30 August 2025. Many customers use the library differently over the summer period and therefore the opening hours have been adjusted accordingly. Libraries will be open to 6:00pm instead of 8:00pm during this period, late-night opening after 6:00pm will recommence from Monday 1 September.
Out of Hours libraries will continue to operate as normal during this period with the following exceptions:
- Banbridge Library Out of Hours service will operate from 6:00pm – 10:00pm on a Tuesday
- Omagh Library Out of Hours service will operate from 6:00pm – 10:00pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further details.
📢 New Computers Coming to Libraries – Phased Rollout Underway 📢
We’re installing brand new computers in all Libraries NI branches as part of the final stage of our e3 project. This upgrade includes new slimline PCs, modern monitors, updated keyboards and mice. The new design features a compact unit with the PC base unit attached to the back of the screen – giving a tidy, space-saving setup. USB ports and other access points remain available for external devices.
The new hardware will utilise Windows 11, which has a refreshed look and feel. Customers may notice some simple changes to layout and navigation, such as a centred Start button, Microsoft Office 2024 and new ways to manage open windows.
The rollout has already begun, with 20 libraries – including Carrickfergus, Banbridge, Greenisland, Whitehead, Larne and Cookstown – successfully upgraded during the pilot phase. Installation across all remaining branches is now underway and will continue on a phased basis over the coming months, with all libraries set to receive the new equipment.
There may be some disruption while the upgrades are carried out, and we thank you for bearing with us during this transition. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to speak to library staff if you need any help using the new system.
📢 NEW MEMBERS 📢
New library members who join online should use their membership number “UNREGXXXXXXX” to access the Libby and BorrowBox apps. However, if you have called into a library and received a library card then please use the membership number on the card to log in, “1000XXXXXX”.
We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the following notices.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- Portrush Library will be closed on Friday 4 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Coleraine.
- Newtownbreda Library will be closed on Monday 30 June to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Cregagh and Ormeau Road.
- Finaghy Library will be closed on Monday 30 June due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Lisburn Road and Suffolk.
- Donaghadee Library will be closed on Wednesday 2 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Newtownards.
- Bangor Carnegie Library will be closed on Wednesday 2 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Newtownards.
- Cushendall Library will be closed on Thursday 3 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Carnlough and Ballycastle.
- Cregagh Library will be closed on Monday 7 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Woodstock and Ormeau Road.
- Portstewart Library will open at the later time of 2:30pm on Friday 4 July. Alternative libraries include Coleraine.
- Ballycastle Library will be closed on Thursday 3 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Cushendall and Ballymoney.
- Killyleagh Library will be closed on Tuesday 1 July due to essential IT upgrades. Alternative libraries include Downpatrick and Saintfield.
- Belfast Central Library foyer is currently undergoing maintenance, all areas are still accessible. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.
- Saintfield Library will be closed from 6:00pm - 6:30pm on Tuesdays and closed from 1:30pm - 2:00pm on Fridays. Alternative libraries include Downpatrick.
UPDATES RELATING TO OUT OF HOURS SERVICE:
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Ballymena Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
- Belfast Mobile Library will be unavailable on Monday 30 June and Monday 7 July.
- Newry Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Armagh and Craigavon Mobile Library has a temporarily reduced service due to vehicle maintenance.
- North West Mobile Library will be unavailable from Monday 30 June until Friday 4 July inclusive due to essential vehicle maintenance.
- Dungannon Mobile Library is currently unavailable. Nearest libraries include Dungannon Library and Omagh Library.