Libraries NI Yarnspinners

Libraries NI Yarnspinners are regular storytelling events supported by The Armstrong Storytelling Trust which take place in various libraries on a monthly basis between September and May. The original monthly Tullycarnet Yarnspinners has been running continually for 31 years and includes additional storytelling clubs Bangor Carnegie Library and Lisburn City Library. The Armstrong Storytelling Trust also holds additional one off events in other libraries.

Yarnspinners meetings provide the perfect opportunity and platform for new storytelling talent to share traditional

stories and yarns in the company of professional storyteller and Libraries NI Storyteller in Residence, Liz Weir MBE.

Throughout the yearly programme, participants are given the chance to listen to and learn from a diverse mix of guest storytellers who have been honing their craft for many years and also from storytellers who are only starting out.

Everyone is welcome to come along, see below for details of the upcoming Yarnspinners events.

Click on the + symbols in the table below to view the full details for each event.

Events

Event Name	Event Details	Start Date and Time	End Date and Time	Library	Booking
Bangor Carnegie Yarnspinners: Sinead McAleavey	Sinéad McAleavey is a gifted storyteller whose words spark connection, joy and reflection, leaving audiences inspired and reminded of the power we hold to truly listen and understand one another. Booking advised. t: 028 9127 0591 e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk	09/09/2026 2:30pm	09/09/2026 4:00pm	Bangor Carnegie Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Lisburn City Library Yarnspinners with Maura Johnston	Storyteller, author and poet, Maura Johnston certainly has a way with words. Her stories are grounded in this place and are sure to evoke memories of times gone by. Join us for an afternoon of fine storytelling that will warm your heart. Suggested donation £3 t: 028 9266 9345 e: lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk	16/09/2026 2:30pm	16/09/2026 4:00pm	Lisburn City Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Bangor Carnegie Yarnspinners: with Michael McConway, Morgan Lewis Khan and Tim Porter	Come along and hear from three emerging storytellers Michael, Morgan and Tim. All three work as Visitor Guides at Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra. Recently, they completed an accredited storytelling course with renowned storytellers Liz Weir and Stephen O’Hara and they’re now excited to share some of their stories with us. Come and support these new voices in storytelling and enjoy an afternoon of great stories. Suggested donation £3. t: 028 9127 0591 e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk	14/10/2026 2:30pm	14/10/2026 4:00pm	Bangor Carnegie Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Lisburn City Library Yarnspinners with Masako Carey	Japanese-born Storyteller Masako Carey has been living in rural County Antrim since 2001. She has shared stories at festivals, in schools, libraries and museums. Her repertoire includes traditional Japanese tales, both humorous and serious, as well as stories from around the world. Suggestion donation £3 t: 028 9266 9345 e: lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk	21/10/2026 2:30pm	21/10/2026 4:00pm	Lisburn City Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Bangor Carnegie Yarnspinners: with Colin Urwin	Colin Urwin is a modern-day Seanchaí, bringing the rich traditions of Ireland to life through song, story and verse. A folksinger, songwriter, storyteller and author, Colin has spent a lifetime immersed in the language, folklore and heritage of his beloved Glens of Antrim. He weaves captivating ballads, tales of wonder and moving stories of remembrance that honour the lives, memories and spirit of generations past. Join Colin for an unforgettable journey where history, music and storytelling come together. Suggested donation £3. t: 028 9127 0591 e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk	11/11/2026 2:30pm	11/11/2026 4:00pm	Bangor Carnegie Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Lisburn City Library Yarnspinners with Janice Witherspoon	Janice Witherspoon has been a professional storyteller for more than 10 years. Entertaining audiences of all ages across Scotland, England and now back in her native Co. Antrim, Janice has a wide repertoire of legends and lore of these islands. As a former gardener, Janice loves to tell seasonal and environmental tales. Join us for an afternoon of fine storytelling that will warm your heart. Suggested donation £3 t: 028 9266 9345 e: lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk	18/11/2026 2:30pm	18/11/2026 4:00pm	Lisburn City Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.
Bangor Carnegie Yarnspinners: Open Session	Join us for a cosy gathering of seasonal tales, poems and tunes. This month, with no featured storyteller, it's your time to shine! Share your own story, song, or poem suitable for the season. All are invited! t: 028 9127 0591 e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk	09/12/2026 2:30pm	09/12/2026 4:00pm	Bangor Carnegie Library	See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event.