Ballymena Central Library
Latest Service Updates
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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. |
| Make Your Photos Stand Out: Phone Photography & Simple Editing |
Learn how to take stronger photos using your phone and make simple edits to improve light, colour and clarity. Beginner-friendly and no equipment needed, other than your phone. Adults. Booking Essential.
t:028 2563 3950
|
16/02/2026 6:00pm | 16/02/2026 7:30pm | 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. |
| Give It A Go - Grow Your Own Windowsill Garden |
A fun, hands-on session for children where they’ll learn how to plant and care for their own mini windowsill garden. Perfect for budding gardeners, this activity encourages curiosity about nature and how things grow. |
18/02/2026 3:30pm | 18/02/2026 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. |
| RNID Near You - Info and Hearing Check Event |
Free hearing checks and information on hearing loss. Hearing check suitable for you if you're aged 18 or over and have not been diagnosed with hearing loss. Free walk in service. No booking required. From 11:30am - 3:00pm |
28/02/2026 11:30am | 28/02/2026 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. |
| Imagination Station: Story Builders. |
Join us for a fun and creative session celebrating World Book Day. Children will work together to create their own story, one sentence at a time, using imagination to see where the story leads. No booking required.
t: 028 2563 3950 e: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk
|
06/03/2026 3:30pm | 06/03/2026 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. |
| Ballymena: The Seven Towers and the Adair Legacy |
Ballymena Central Library:11.00am–12.00pm Local historian and trained tour guide Alastair Donaghy brings Ballymena’s past vividly to life in this engaging talk rooted in deep local knowledge. With an academic background in Irish history and politics and extensive experience in community engagement, Alastair explores the origins of the townland, the influence of the Adair family and the story behind the ‘Seven Towers’. From United Irishmen and architectural heritage to unexpected musical connections, this talk offers a richly layered portrait of Ballymena’s hidden history. |
10/03/2026 11:00am | 10/03/2026 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. |
| Discover Your Family History With NIFHS: DNA Testing and Genealogy Index Showcase |
As part of Heritage week, Ballymena Central Library is pleased to host the Northern Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS) for a special family history event. This session offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about researching their ancestry through a showcase of the NIFHS searchable genealogy index, with society members available to demonstrate how the resource can support family history research.
NIFHS will also be offering optional DNA testing guidance for those interested in exploring their heritage through genetic genealogy. Visitors can speak directly with society representatives, learn about their work and find out how to begin or develop their own family history journey. The society will also have an information stand and promotional materials available on the day.
Sessions will take place from 11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm. No booking required.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
12/03/2026 11:00am | 12/03/2026 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 Real St. Patrick |
Join us for a fun fact trail around the library as we discover what St. Patrick was really about available during library opening hours. Children will explore interesting facts as they move around the library, finishing with a creative shamrock craft activity from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. This event is suitable for children and families; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
No booking required. t: 028 2536 3590 |
16/03/2026 9:30am | 21/03/2026 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. |
