Ballymena Central Library
Latest Service Updates
CUSTOMER NOTICE - Bank Holiday Closure
All public libraries in Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 25 May and Mobile Libraries will not be on the road. The Out of Hours Service will be available in applicable libraries.
You can check out our eResources via our website or app.
View full details and other service updates:
Library Location
Events
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
28/04/2026 10:30am | 29/06/2027 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. |
| Cryptic Colour Corner |
Available daily during library opening hours. Why not challenge yourself to a puzzle or relax with a colouring sheet. |
01/05/2026 10:00am | 30/06/2027 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! |
01/05/2026 10:30am | 25/06/2027 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 noon. For children aged 1-5 accompanied by an adult.
Come along and join us for a session of building fun! |
01/05/2026 11:00am | 25/06/2027 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. |
01/05/2026 3:00pm | 25/06/2027 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. |
02/05/2026 10:30am | 26/06/2027 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 |
02/05/2026 11:00am | 26/06/2027 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. |
| 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.
|
02/05/2026 2:00pm | 05/06/2027 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. |
| 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. |
05/05/2026 10:00am | 24/06/2027 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. |
| 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. |
05/05/2026 10:30am | 08/06/2027 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. |
| Baby Bounce |
Baby Bounce - Every Wednesday from 10.30am - 11.00am for babies 0-18mths.
Booking recommended. |
06/05/2026 10:30am | 30/06/2027 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. |
06/05/2026 3:30pm | 30/06/2027 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. |
| 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 |
07/05/2026 1:00pm | 03/06/2027 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. |
| 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. |
16/05/2026 10:00am | 19/06/2027 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. |
16/05/2026 1:00pm | 19/06/2027 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. |
26/05/2026 3:30pm | 29/06/2027 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. |
| 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. |
01/06/2026 10:00am | 01/06/2026 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. |
| 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. |
01/06/2026 2:00pm | 01/06/2026 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
22/06/2026 10:00am | 22/06/2026 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. |
| NIPSO Drop-in Advice Session - Your Rights with Public Services |
Have you been treated unfairly or had a poor experience with Public Services? The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman Engagement Team is here to help. Drop in to speak confidentially with then team about concerns relating to services such as schools, local councils or health and social care. NIPSO investigates complaints and works to put things right. This free session offers an opportunity to learn more about your rights and how public services can be improved. Adults
Booking not required.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
25/06/2026 10:30am | 25/06/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read Scavenger Hunt |
Join us as we launch the Big Summer Read with a fun scavenger hunt inspired by popular children's books. Follow clues through the library, spot familiar characters and stories and discover exciting new reads for a summer full of reading adventures.
Children aged 4-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking not required.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
01/07/2026 9:30am | 01/07/2026 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. |
| Jokes on the Wall |
Children are invited to share their favourite joke or even make up their own and add it to our joke wall display. Explore our collection of funny stories and joke books for even more laughs.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
03/07/2026 3:00pm | 03/07/2026 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 Great Library Mystery |
Join us for a fun-filled challenge. Test your thinking skills, enjoy plenty of laughs and see if you can solve the puzzles hidden around the library.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950 |
10/07/2026 3:00pm | 10/07/2026 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. |
| Creative Sounds Workshop |
Join us for a hands on session where children can explore rhythm and sound. Includes listening, clapping games and opportunities to join in and make music together.
For children aged 6-11 years: children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
17/07/2026 3:00pm | 17/07/2026 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. |
| Summer in Victorian Ballymena |
Join Noreen Mullan from Mid-Antrim Museum as she explores through story telling, handling objects and taking part in fun activities how children lived their lives in Victorian era in Ballymena.
Booking Essential.
Children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
24/07/2026 3:00pm | 24/07/2026 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. |
| Junk to Treasure |
Turn everyday junk into something amazing in this fun creative craft session. Using recycled materials such as boxes, tubes and paper, children can build their own unique masterpiece.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
31/07/2026 3:00pm | 31/07/2026 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. |
| Heroes Assemble |
Join us for a fun and exciting session where children will create their own superhero complete with name, superpowers and costume design. A fun mix of creativity and storytelling where imagination takes the lead.
For children aged 6-11 years: children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
31/07/2026 3:00pm | 31/07/2026 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. |
| Bee Friendly Planting Fun |
Help our little buzzing garden friends by planting some wildflower seeds, learn how flowers help bees & explore our range of nature themed books along the way.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
14/08/2026 3:00pm | 14/08/2026 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. |
| Comic Craze |
A creative session where children design their own short comic strip and learn how top tell a story through pictures.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
21/08/2026 3:00pm | 21/08/2026 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. |
| Into the Wild with the RSPB |
Get ready to discover the amazing world of birds and wildlife with a special visit from the RSPB. Learn fun facts about local nature and how we can protect our wildlife in a lively and interactive session.
For children aged 6-11 years; children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 2563 3950
|
28/08/2026 3:00pm | 28/08/2026 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. |
