Ballymena Central Library
Latest Service Updates
CUSTOMER NOTICE - Easter Bank Holidays Closure
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Easter Monday, 6 April and Easter Tuesday, 7 April 2026 and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road.
You can check out our eResources via our website or app.
View full details and other service updates:
Library Location
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Out - Adult Reading Group |
Time Out - Adult reading group - Monthly on 1st Thursday of the month from 1.00pm-2.00pm.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
01/05/2025 1:00pm | 04/06/2026 2:00pm | 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. |
| Knit and Natter |
Every Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am. Knit and Natter Groups are for adults who enjoy knitting, crochet, cross stitch and other crafts. They are free of charge to attend and participants have the opportunity to share hints and tips, swap patterns, meet new people and learn new skills. Members can bring along a project they are already working on or can start something new. |
06/05/2025 10:30am | 26/05/2026 11:30am | 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. |
| Writers Block - Creative Writing |
Fortnightly on a Tuesday of every month from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Booking is essential as numbers are limited. Are you a budding writer or poet? Come along to our new group and meet like-minded people and share ideas. Whether it is your first attempt or you are a seasoned writer you will be prompted by new ideas each week. Use this time out to take a well-deserved break from your day; to escape and relax the mind. |
06/05/2025 10:30am | 23/06/2026 12:30pm | 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. |
| Baby Bounce |
Baby Bounce - Every Wednesday from 10.30am - 11.00am for babies 0-18mths.
Booking recommended. |
07/05/2025 10:30am | 24/06/2026 11:00am | 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. |
| Lego Club |
Every Wednesday. |
07/05/2025 3:30pm | 24/06/2026 4:30pm | 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. |
| Tea and Newspapers |
Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am - 12:00pm Tea and Newspapers groups give adults the opportunity to meet new people, socialise and discuss local and national affairs in the newspapers while enjoying complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits. |
08/05/2025 10:00am | 26/06/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| Cryptic Colour Corner |
Available daily during library opening hours. Why not challenge yourself to a puzzle or relax with a colouring sheet. |
08/05/2025 10:00am | 26/06/2026 5:30pm | 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. |
| Rhythm and Rhyme |
Every Friday from 10:30am to 11:00am. Booking essential on day prior to event. Rhythm and Rhyme sessions introduce parents and children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories. Each session offers an entertaining opportunity for children to engage with others, provides a good foundation to develop their reading, listening and language skills and of course to have lots of fun! |
09/05/2025 10:30am | 27/06/2026 11:00am | 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. |
| Wee Builders Duplo Club |
Every Friday from 11.00am - 12.00noon. For children aged 1-5 accompanied by an adult.
Come along and join us for a session of building fun! |
09/05/2025 11:00am | 26/06/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| Storytime and Craft |
Every Friday. |
09/05/2025 3:00pm | 26/06/2026 4:00pm | 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. |
| Rhythm and Rhyme |
Every Saturday, during term time only. |
10/05/2025 10:30am | 27/06/2026 11:00am | 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. |
| Duplo Club |
Every Saturday, during term time only.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
10/05/2025 11:00am | 27/06/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| The Coder Club |
Takes place on the third Saturday of the month, from 10:00am - 12:00noon. Learn more about coding and programmes. For children aged 8 - 10 years; free admission. Booking not required. |
17/05/2025 10:00am | 20/06/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| Ballymena Bishops |
Takes place on the third Saturday of the month from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Learn and develop your chess skills. For children aged 8 - 14 years; free admission. Booking not required. |
17/05/2025 1:00pm | 20/06/2026 3:00pm | 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. |
| Page Turners Adult Reading Group |
Held on last Tuesday of the month from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Adult Reading Groups are a great opportunity for members to join in some lively literary discussions in a relaxed, friendly environment. The groups encourage people to read for pleasure, share their enthusiasm and express opinions about books and their authors. The group meets on a regular basis and the book the group will be discussing can be borrowed from the library catalogue for free. |
27/05/2025 3:30pm | 30/06/2026 4:30pm | 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. |
| Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt |
Hop along to the library for an egg-citing Easter scavenger hunt. Children will search for hidden eggs and follow the clues as they explore the library in a fun and interactive way.
For children aged 5-11 years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2565 3950 |
01/04/2026 9:30am | 18/04/2026 5:30pm | 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. |
| Sensory Playtime and Stories |
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming sensory playtime and story session as part of Autism Awareness Week. This session combines sensory play activities with story time in a calm and supportive environment. For children aged 6-10 years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
No booking required.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
02/04/2026 3:30pm | 02/04/2026 4:30pm | 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. |
| Let's Play! Family Games Hour |
Join us on the first Saturday of the month for a relaxed and fun-filled hour of board games for the whole family! From classic favourites to new discoveries, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Drop in, play together, and make memories over a friendly game or two. Family; children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
|
04/04/2026 9:30am | 06/06/2026 4:00pm | 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. |
| Easter Egg Painting |
Get ready for some colourful Easter fun. Join us for a creative egg painting session where children can decorate their eggs with bright colours, patterns and imaginative designs. It's a great chance to get creative and celebrate the season together.
For children aged 5-11years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2565 3950 |
04/04/2026 1:30pm | 04/04/2026 2:30pm | 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. |
| Go On - 1-2-1 eClinic |
1-2-1 eClinic - IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. |
08/04/2026 10:00am | 08/04/2026 4:00pm | 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. |
| The Enchanted Easter Fairy Workshop |
Join us for a world of springtime magic. Design and draw your very own fairy, unleashing your creativity creating their outfits, wings and magic powers. Perfect for little creators, this enchanting workshop is filled with imagination and creativity.
Aged 7+; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
08/04/2026 2:00pm | 08/04/2026 3:00pm | 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. |
| Connect North |
Connect North drop in session can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your community to address your practical, social or emotional needs.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
09/04/2026 10:00am | 09/04/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| Gel Printing Workshop |
Using nature and a few supplementary techniques tutor Beverly Healy will show you how to create beautiful handmade prints. Have fun with print and creating your own mini collection. Materials provided.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
15/04/2026 2:00pm | 15/04/2026 4:00pm | 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. |
| Go On - 1-2-1 eClinic |
1-2-1 eClinic - IT help for beginners: help with your mobile device, general IT assistance, information about library e-services. |
27/04/2026 10:00am | 27/04/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| Time For Tea |
Drop into Ballymena Central Library for Time For Tea during Mental Health Awareness Week.
t: 028 2565 3950
|
15/05/2026 10:00am | 15/05/2026 12 noon | 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. |
| In My Shoes Craft and Story |
Join us as we design and decorate a paper shoe, then write or draw how someone else might feel, this thoughtful activity encourages children to see the world from another person’s perspective and helps spark conversations about kindness, understanding, and empathy.
Ages 7-11yrs; children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
05/06/2026 3:00pm | 05/06/2026 4:00pm | 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. |
