Castlewellan Library
CUSTOMER NOTICE – July Holiday Closures
All Libraries NI’s public libraries will be closed on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 July 2026.
The Mobile Library service will be off the road from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July 2026 inclusive.
The Out of Hours service will be closed from Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 July 2026 (inclusive), reopening on Wednesday 15 July 2026 in Out of Hours libraries.
Please remember that eServices (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers) are available during this period, and joining online is free.
View full details and other service updates:
Customer Notice
- Castlewellan library have SAD boxes and a Home Energy Saver Kit available to borrow, please ask staff for details.
Library Location
Events
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Club |
For children aged 6 - 10 years. Must be accompanied by an adult. Come along to have Lego building fun. Fun and creative ideas for things to make and build. Every Friday from 3:00pm - 4:00pm. |
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 from 10:30am - 11:00am. 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! |
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. |
| Storytime and colouring |
Straight after rhythm and rhyme we will be reading some stories for 3-8 year olds and then doing themed colouring pages so stay after rhythm and rhyme or come in at 11:00am to listen and join in the fun.
No booking required. |
02/05/2026 11:00am | 26/06/2027 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. |
| Irish Language Reading Group |
Every Tuesday from 11:00am - 12:00 noon. Club Leabhar is private book club who meet every Tuesday. New members welcome, please ask staff for details. 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. |
05/05/2026 11:00am | 29/06/2027 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 |
Knit and natter is every Tuesday for anyone who likes any sort of needle work and to chat or would like to learn how to knit. We have needles and wool available if you haven’t.
No booking required. |
05/05/2026 12:30pm | 29/06/2027 1:30pm | 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. |
| Adult Reading Group |
First Wednesday of the month from 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Regular Group. 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. |
06/05/2026 2:00pm | 02/06/2027 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. |
| Walking Group |
Why not join us for a short walk around Castlewellan, explore the local sights and come back to the library for a cuppa and chat. This will be a regular event every other Wednesday. Please contact the library for dates. Booking Essential. |
06/05/2026 2:00pm | 30/06/2027 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. |
| Tea and Newspapers |
Meet new people, talk about the papers or just come and chat and enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits. |
06/05/2026 5:00pm | 30/06/2027 6:00pm | 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. |
| Junior Reading Group |
Takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, for children aged 9-11 years of age. Junior Reading Groups are a fun way for children to be introduced to a wide range of new books, authors and to make new friends along the way. Members are asked to read a chosen book before each meeting, which will be available to borrow for free from the library catalogue. Contact: Catherine Beresford-Green |
20/05/2026 4:00pm | 16/06/2027 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. |
| Board Games |
Board games session including Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, 6 Stay Safe board games, a Horrible Histories Board Game, Chess and Draughts and Cuisenaire – number blocks for children aged 4-10, accompanied by an adult. Come along and join in the fun.
Last Wednesday of the month from 3:00pm - 5:00pm |
27/05/2026 3:00pm | 30/06/2027 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. |
| Printmaking Exhibition by Jenny Bailie |
This Exhibition features a selection of Jenny's work over a number of years using a variety of printmaking techniques including etching / aquatint, collagraph, monoprint and linoprint. Jenny is a local printmaker. She has exhibited in the RUA summer exhibition and is a member of the Belfast Print Workshop. She runs local courses in accessible printmaking techniques for beginners. To purchase her work, please contact Jenny directly at jenny526392@oca.ac.uk or leave a message with the library staff. t: 028 4377 8433 |
10/06/2026 2:00pm | 31/07/2026 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. |
| Talk on Sharks and Protecting Marine Animals |
Gavin Grant is giving a talk on sharks and protecting marine animals with plenty of real bones and other fishy bits and pieces to handle and admire! |
15/07/2026 2:00pm | 15/07/2026 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. |
| Rhythm and Rhyme with a Teddy Sleepover |
An extra Rhythm and Rhyme with music to send your teddies to sleep and we'll see if they get up to any mischief on their sleepover! |
22/07/2026 5:00pm | 22/07/2026 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. |
| Dream Catcher Craft |
Come and make your own dream catcher and have sweet dreams always! |
28/07/2026 11:00am | 28/07/2026 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. |
| Lego Castles Building |
Use your imagination to build your fantasy castle out of Lego |
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. |
| Big Summer Read - Puppet Show of the Three Little Pigs |
Join in the puppet show of the Three Little Pigs and create your own story or change the ending - wherever your imagination takes you! |
04/08/2026 11:00am | 04/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Fruit Book Mark Craft |
Make book marks choosing your favourite fruits to create the best fruit cocktail! |
04/08/2026 2:00pm | 04/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Comic Book Bubble Creative Writing |
Create your own comic book story filling in the bubbles. For children aged 6-11 years, children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. |
11/08/2026 11:00am | 11/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Superhero Face Mask Craft |
Make your own superhero face masks, for children aged 4-11 years, children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. |
11/08/2026 2:00pm | 11/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Cipher Wheel Secret Code Writing |
Create your own secret messages using a cipher wheel and swap with your friends to see if you can crack their codes! |
18/08/2026 11:00am | 18/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Tree Craft |
Finish your Summer Reading Challenge by making your own tree and attach the leaves with your book titles. |
25/08/2026 11:00am | 25/08/2026 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. |
| Job Support Workshop (every two months) |
In partnership with Newcastle Job Centre – these workshops will run every other month (the next workshop event will take place on Friday 11 September 2026) and are open to anyone looking for work or to change their job, help with benefits or general advice in the job market. No booking necessary unless you think you need a longer session. |
11/09/2026 10:30am | 25/06/2027 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. |