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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storytelling and Reminiscence Session with Mabel Jenkins |
Join Storyteller Mabel Jenkins for this reminiscence session. Expect memories and stories of Christmas traditions with some folklore thrown in for good measure. As a former visitor guide at the Folk Museum in Cultra, Mabel has a wealth of knowledge about folklore and country ways of the past.
Part of the Making Connections Series.
Booking advisable. t: 028 9048 3994 |
10/12/2025 1:00pm | 10/12/2025 2:00pm | Dundonald 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 – 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 9266 9345 |
17/12/2025 2:30pm | 17/12/2025 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 Yarnspinners with Sinead McAleavey |
Step into a world of myth, mischief and imagination with storytelling champion Sinead McAleavey.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9127 0591 |
14/01/2026 2:30pm | 14/01/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Michael Bird |
Join singer and storyteller Michael Bird for an afternoon of stories and music.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 |
21/01/2026 2:30pm | 21/01/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Dominic Bennett |
Join us for an afternoon of Storytelling, poetry and stand up comedy from Storyteller Dominic Bennett.
Booking essential. t: 028 9127 0591 |
11/02/2026 2:30pm | 11/02/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Ailsa Dixon |
Ailsa Dixon brings the heart of Scotland to every performance, blending her deep connection to place with a passion for sharing traditional tales and overlooked histories.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 |
18/02/2026 2:30pm | 18/02/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Maura Johnston |
Join storyteller, author and poet Maura Johnston for an afternoon of fine storytelling that will warm your heart.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9127 0591 |
11/03/2026 2:30pm | 11/03/2026 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 Marianne McShane |
Join storyteller Marianne McShane as she brings her spellbinding tales of Selkies, mermaids and fairy folk and transports her listeners to the magical otherworld of the Celts. Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 |
18/03/2026 2:30pm | 18/03/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Daniel Morden |
Join us for an afternoon of laughter, wonder and Storytelling with Daniel Morden.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9127 0591 |
08/04/2026 2:30pm | 08/04/2026 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 Yarnspinners with Olivia Armstrong |
Come along for an afternoon of stories of wonder and magic with Storyteller Olivia Armstrong.
Suggested donation £3 Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 |
15/04/2026 2:30pm | 15/04/2026 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. |