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:
- 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.
- Randalstown Library will be closed from 3:00pm – 3.30pm on Tuesday 18 August. Alternative libraries include Antrim and Ballymena Central.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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 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.
