Ballymena Central Library
Holidays Notice and Latest Service Updates
Libraries NI Christmas Holiday period will run from Monday 22 December to Saturday 27 December 2025 inclusive. Libraries NI will reopen to customers on Monday 29, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 December with all libraries closing at 5:00pm on each of these days. Library opening hours vary, so please check our website for full details for your local library.
All libraries will be closed on Thursday 1 January 2026 and normal opening hours will resume on Friday 2 January 2026.
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. |
| Connect North Drop In Session |
Are you or someone you know feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges—like housing worries, money struggles, managing long-term health conditions, or feeling lonely? Connect North could help. Join us for a friendly drop-in session with a Connect North Link Worker, who will be available to offer information and advice on Population Plus—a free online directory packed with local services and support options tailored to your needs. No appointment needed – just come along for a chat and discover what support is out there for you, your family, or your community.
Booking not required. |
15/01/2026 10:00am | 15/01/2026 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. |
| Brew Monday: Cuppa and Chat |
Call into the library to enjoy a cuppa, a chat, catch up on some reading or simply relax in a welcoming environment.
Booking not required. |
19/01/2026 10:30am | 19/01/2026 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. |
