Ballymena Central Library

Ballymena Central Library

Latest Service Updates

📢 CUSTOMER NOTICE - Bank Holiday Closure 📢

All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on the Spring Bank Holiday, Monday 26 May and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road on that date. The Out of Hours Service will remain available on 26 May in appropriate libraries. Remember that members have free access to eServices during this period. Register to become a Member.

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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. 
t: 028 2563 3950

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. 

Suitable for children aged 6+ years; children must be accompanied by an adult.

t: 028 2563 3950
e: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk

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.
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 9:30am 26/06/2026 5:00pm 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.
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.
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. 

Suitable for children aged 4-10 years; please note that children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

t: 028 2563 3950
e: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk

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.

Rhythm and Rhyme is an exciting free programme to introduce children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories in the library. Rhythm and Rhyme is a great opportunity for children to have fun and learn in a relaxed venue while giving parents and carers the chance to socialise.

t: 028 2563 3950
e: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk

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
e: ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

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.
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.

27/05/2025 10:00am 27/05/2025 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.
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.
Ballymena in the '90s: A Local Lens  

Step back in time with this nostalgic exhibition from Ballymena Photography Club, showcasing everyday life and familiar faces from the 1990s. From bustling streets to quiet corners, these photographs offer a unique glimpse into the people and places that shaped the town a generation ago.

 

Available during library opening hours.

02/06/2025 10:00am 01/07/2025 5:00pm 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.
King’s Trust Info and Drop In Session  

We’re here to help young people aged 16-30 explore courses, find a career or launch their own business. Come along and find out about local opportunities. 
At this event you’ll: learn about the range of programmes and wellbeing activities we have on offer, speak to our friendly team and find out how we can support you, and get travel costs reimbursed for your visit.

03/06/2025 1:00pm 03/06/2025 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.
Ygam Info and Drop In Session  

Join us for an informative drop-in session with Ygam – an award-winning charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among children and young people. Through education, research, and awareness-raising, Ygam supports parents, carers, teachers, and other professionals with evidence-based training and resources. Drop in to learn more about the risks, get practical advice, and find out how you can support young people in your care. 

 

No booking required – all welcome!
 

03/06/2025 1:00pm 03/06/2025 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.
Libraries Connecting People: Loneliness Awareness Week 2025  

Join us in Ballymena Library for a welcoming day of activities designed to connect and uplift. Post a cheerful message into our Kindness Postbox and help brighten someone’s day in a local care home. 

 

Enjoy a guided historical walk through the town at 11:00am, followed by live music from Matthew Calderwood at 1:00pm. 

 

In the afternoon, relax and get creative in a watercolour painting workshop from 2:00pm–4:00pm with artist Helen Bradbury. Throughout the day, local services including Start360, Northern Connections and Good Morning Ballymena will be available to offer information and support. One-to-one advisory sessions with a Connect North Link Worker will also run from 11:00am–4:00pm (booking essential).

t: 028 2563 3950

09/06/2025 9:30am 09/06/2025 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.