Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
PURCHASE OF BOOK REQUESTS
Regrettably due to funding constraints, Libraries NI is unable to take requests for new books at present. Should the current situation change, further information will be provided here.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - ACCESS TO THE LIBRARIES NI WEBSITE ON 28 APRIL
The Libraries NI website may be intermittently unavailable on Sunday 28 April from 7:00am until 8:00am in order to facilitate system updates; this may affect logging into the website. The Catalogue, Libby and BorrowBox will remain available during this period. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURE
Libraries across Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 6 May; our online services will still be available.
CUSTOMER NOTICE - LIBRARY OPENING HOURS
Libraries NI is pleased to announce the return of normal opening hours across its network of libraries from Wednesday 3 April, with late nights available once again for customers. Find out more
PRESSREADER APP
Customers may be experiencing problems with the Pressreader service for digital newspapers. We are aware of these issues and we are working urgently with our supplier to fix these and hope the service will be available again soon. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Access to British Standards Online (BSOL)
Access to British Standards Online (BSOL) through Libraries NI is ending on the 11 November 2023. Due to ongoing financial constraints the difficult decision was taken not to renew the subscription to BSOL.
To mitigate the ending of this service a limited number of British Standards will be made available through Inter Library Loan free of charge. For further information please contact your local library.
LIBBY SERVICE
From the 6 September 2023, there is a new safety requirement for Libraries NI customers when logging in to either the Libby app or Libby online. All customers will be asked for their membership number as before but they will also be asked for their PIN number. Any customers already logged in to the app will only be asked for a PIN number if logged out.
If you have forgotten your PIN number you can use either the Libraries NI app or the Libraries NI website to reset your PIN. To find out more visit the FAQ section of our website.
NOTICE FOR NEW MEMBERS:
After the recent changes to the computer system (April 2023) 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
Creggan Library has reopened
Creggan Library has reopened its doors on Monday 11 March with a fresh new look following a period of closure for refurbishment.
The refurbishment included the installation of a new roof with enhanced insulation capabilities as well as the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout.
Internally, the library has undergone a transformation, with the introduction of a new ceiling, new furniture, redecoration of walls and flooring and an expansion of the children's library, offering young readers an even greater selection of books and resources to explore.
Click here for more information on opening hours and to find out what all is going on in the library.
- Woodstock Library will be closed at the earlier time of 1:00pm on Wednesday 24 April. Alternative libraries include Cregagh and Ormeau.
- Lisburn Road Library has limited access on Wednesday 24 April to pedestrians only via Myrtlefield Park as the main gates are closed due to road works, the library will remain open as normal until 8:00pm.
- Newtownstewart Library will be closed on Friday 26 April due to unforeseen circumstances. Alternative libraries include Strabane and Castlederg.
- Dungiven Library will be closed from 4:30pm - 5:00pm on Wednesday 24 April. Alternative libraries include Limavady.
- Donaghadee Library will close at the earlier time of 5:30pm (instead of the normal time of 6:00pm) on Wednesday's effective from Wednesday 13 December 2023.
- Newtownards Library will close at the earlier time of 5:00pm on Monday's from Monday 18 September until further notice. Alternative libraries include Bangor Carnegie. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Saintfield Library will be closed from 1:30pm - 2:00pm on Tuesdays and Fridays starting from Tuesday 8 August. Alternative libraries include Downpatrick.
- Fivemiletown Library is currently closed and during the closure customers can make full use of nearby Enniskillen, Lisnaskea and Fintona libraries including books, computers, Wi-Fi and children's activities. Also, there is a Mobile Library service in place on every Monday afternoon from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. The mobile will be parked in the Edfield Way Car Park and Charging Station, Fivemiletown, BT75 0PB.
Temporary Closure of Waterside Library for Refurbishment Work
Due to refurbishment work, Waterside Library will be closed from Monday 5 February until Spring 2024.
During this temporary closure, customers can visit any public library.
The closest libraries include:
Derry Central Library, 35 Foyle Street Derry,
t: 028 7122 9990
e: derrycentral.library@librariesni.org.uk
Strathfoyle Library, 22 Temple Rd, Strathfoyle,
t: 028 7186 0385
e: strathfoyle.library@librariesni.org.uk
Shantallow Library, 92 Racecourse Road, Shantallow,
t: 028 7135 4185
e:shantallow.library@librariesni.org.uk
The planned refurbishment work includes installation of a new energy efficient heating system, replacement of internal floor coverings and redecoration throughout.
During the library closure, items can be renewed online with your library membership card and PIN number which is available from library staff. eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can also be borrowed through our online library.
Ballynahinch Library Temporary Planned Closure
Ballynahinch Library will be closed temporarily from Monday 22 January 2024 until Spring 2024 due to refurbishment of the premises.
During this temporary closure, customers can visit any public library. The closest libraries include:
Downpatrick Library, 79 Market St, Downpatrick
t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk
Saintfield Library, Ballynahinch Road, Saintfield
t: 028 9751 0550
e: saintfield.library@librariesni.org.uk
Dromore Library, 38 Market Square, Dromore
t: 028 9269 2280
e: dromore.library@librariesni.org.uk
We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused and please note, during the library closure, items can be renewed online with your library membership card and PIN number which is available from library staff. eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can also be borrowed through our online and Mobile library.
Temporary Closure of Killyleagh Library for Refurbishment Work
Due to refurbishment work, Killyleagh Library will be closed from Monday 4 December until Spring 2024.
During this temporary closure, customers can visit any public library. The closest libraries include:
Downpatrick Library, 79 Market St, Downpatrick,
t: 028 4461 2895
e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk
Saintfield Library, Ballynahinch Road, Saintfield
t: 028 9751 0550
e: saintfield.library@librariesni.org.uk
The planned refurbishment work includes installing a new thermal efficient roof, new triple glazed windows and doors, along with new LED lighting for energy efficiency. The interior of the library will also be enhanced with a new ceiling, new floor covering, and re-decoration of internal walls.
During the library closure, items can be renewed online with your library membership card and PIN number which is available from library staff. eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can also be borrowed through our online library.
Bessbrook Library Temporary Planned Closure
Bessbrook Library will be closed temporarily from Wednesday 29 November and re-opening in Spring; this is to facilitate essential building work.
During this temporary closure, customers can visit any public library. The closest libraries include:
Newry City Library, 79 Hill Street, Newry
t: 028 3026 4683
e: newrycity.library@librariesni.org.uk
Crossmaglen Library, 44 The Square, Crossmaglen
t: 028 3086 1951
e: Crossmaglen.library@librariesni.org.uk
The planned works include installing improved insulation in the roof along with new LED lighting for energy efficiency. The interior of the library will also be enhanced with a new ceiling, new floor covering, and re-decoration of internal walls.
During the library closure, items can be renewed online with your library membership card and PIN number which is available from library staff. eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can also be borrowed through our online library.
Ballymoney Library Temporary Planned Closure
Ballymoney Library will be closed due to refurbishment work, from Monday 30 October until Spring 2024. During this temporary closure alternative libraries include Coleraine, Ballycastle and Kilrea.
There will be a public Mobile Library available fortnightly at the following location, Castle Street Car Park, Ballymoney from Tuesday 21st November 2023 until Spring 2024 from approx. 1:00pm – 4:30pm. The stop dates and times are as follows and all stop times are from 1:00pm - 4:30pm:
UPDATES RELATING TO HOMECALL SERVICE:
- The Causeway Coast Homecall Service will be unavailable from Monday 15 April.
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Armagh and Craigavon Mobile Library will be unavailable until further notice.
- Ballymena Mobile Library will be unavailable until Monday 29 April.
