Ballymena Central Library

Ballymena Central Library

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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.
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. 

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.
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.
Future Builders: Design and Create a Robot  

Travel to tomorrow and bring your own robot to life using fun, hands-on craft materials and your imagination!
For children aged 4-11 years.
Booking not required.

 24/07/2025 11:30am 24/07/2025 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.
This Is Us: 2025 Time Capsule Craft  

What will people in the future want to know about life in 2025? Help us create a special time capsule by adding your own snapshot of who you are today! Write a letter to your future self, draw a picture, or share your favourite book, hobby, or memory. All entries will be sealed and saved to be opened in years to come. A creative and meaningful activity for children and families.

 

For children aged 4-11 years accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.

 28/07/2025 2:30pm 28/07/2025 3:30pm 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.
Fossil Finders and Imagination Station  

Fossil Finders and Imagination Station
Dig into prehistoric fun with a fossil-themed scavenger hunt and hands-on fun day with JJ Fossils.
For children aged 4-11 years.
Booking not required.

 07/08/2025 11:30am 07/08/2025 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.
Story Time Machine: Create Your Own Tale  

Story Time Machine: Create Your Own Tale
Take a trip through storytelling! Dream up your own characters and plot twists at this creative writing workshop.
For children aged 6-11 years.
Booking not required.

 11/08/2025 2:30pm 11/08/2025 3:30pm 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.
The Force Comes to the Library!  

Join us for an out-of-this-world experience as Star Wars cosplayers bring the galaxy far, far away to your local library! Meet iconic characters from the Star Wars universe, take photos, and learn about the stories behind the costumes. 

 

Whether you're a Jedi, Sith, or young Padawan, this is the perfect event for fans of all ages. Costumes encouraged—may the Force be with you!

 16/08/2025 12 noon 16/08/2025 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.