Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
Weather update – Storm Chandra
Due to severe weather conditions associated with Storm Chandra, some Libraries NI services are affected today, including temporary closures and service suspensions.
Disruption and closures – Tuesday 27 January:
- All Mobile Libraries are off the road
- The Armagh/Newry Homecall service is not operating
- Belfast Central Library is closed
- Bangor Carnegie Library is closed
- Warrenpoint Library is closed
- Antrim Homecall service is not operating
- Bessbrook Library is closed
- Keady Library is closed
- Newtownstewart Library is closed
- Randalstown Library is closed
- Cloughfern Library is closed
- Carrickfergus Library is closed
- Ballymena Homecall Service is not operating
- Carrickfergus Homecall Service is not operating
- Antrim Library is closed
- Dromore Library is closed
- Richhill Library is closed
- Brownlow Library will close at 1:00pm
- Cushendall Library is closed
- Cultural Heritage Service Library, Armagh will close at 1:00pm
- Crumlin Library will close at 3:00pm
- Ballyclare Library will close at 4:00pm
- Whitehead Library is closed
- Carnlough Library will close at 6:00pm
- Newcastle Library will close at 5:00pm
- Kells and Connor Library will close at 5:00pm
- Saintfield Library will close at 5:00pm
Customers are advised to keep checking our website and social media channels for the latest updates before travelling.
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.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the following notices.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- Broughshane Library will close at the earlier time of 5:00pm on Tuesday 27 January.
- Falls Road Library will be closed from Wednesday 11 February until Friday 13 February inclusive to allow for essential upgrades. Alternative libraries include Shankill Road and Belfast Central.
- Dungiven Library will close at the earlier time of 6:00pm on Wednesday 28 January. Alternative libraries include Limavady.
Ballycastle Library – Refurbishment Update
Refurbishment works at Ballycastle Library are nearing completion, and preparations for reopening are now underway.
As the project progressed, additional improvements were identified and included to ensure the building provides a comfortable, accessible and welcoming space for customers. Completing this work as part of the refurbishment will help support the library’s use by the community for many years to come.
The refurbishment is now in its final stages, and we expect to welcome customers back in the next few weeks. A confirmed reopening date is not yet available and will be shared as soon as it is confirmed.
In the meantime, our mobile library will be outside Ballycastle Health Centre (opposite the library) on Thursday 22 January from 2:00pm – 3:30pm, where you can return and exchange books and pick up something new to read and remember free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers is available online at librariesni.org.uk.
This page will be updated with further information when it becomes available. Libraries NI looks forward to welcoming customers back to Ballycastle Library very soon.
During this temporary closure, customers can visit any public library.
The closest libraries include:
Ballymoney Library, Rodden Foot, Queen Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6JB
t: 028 2766 3589
e: ballymoney.library@librariesni.org.uk
Cushendall Library, Mill Street, Cushendall, BT44 0RR
t: 028 2177 1297
e: cushendall.library@librariesni.org.uk
During the library closure, items can be renewed online with your library membership card and PIN which is available from library staff.
UPDATES RELATING TO OUT OF HOURS SERVICE:
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Due to the Yellow weather warning all mobile libraries will be off the road on Tuesday 27 January.
- Ballymena Mobile Library will be unavailable on Tuesday 27 January.
- Bangor and Lisburn Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
- Belfast Mobile Library will be unavailable on Friday 30 January, Monday 2 February and Tuesday 3 February.
- Dungannon Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
- Tyrone Mobile Library is temporarily unavailable.
UPDATES RELATING TO HOMECALL SERVICE:
- Ballymena Homecall Service will be unavailable on Tuesday 27 January.
- Carrickfergus Homecall Service will be unavailable on Tuesday 27 January.
- Antrim Homecall service will be unavailable on Tuesday 27 January.
- Armagh/Newry Homecall Service will be unavailable on Tuesday 27 January.
