Downpatrick 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:
Library Location
Events
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Got IT |
Ideal for those with no or little computer experience, one to one. Contact the library to book one to one iPad classes. t: 028 4461 2895 |
01/05/2026 9:30am | 30/06/2027 10:00am | 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. |
| Tea and Newspapers |
Every Friday 10:00am – 12 noon. |
01/05/2026 10:00am | 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. |
| Rhythm & Rhyme |
Every Saturday from 11:00am - 11:30am. 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 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. |
| Storytime |
Every Saturday at 2:00pm. For children aged 4 - 8 years old; Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not required. More info: |
02/05/2026 2:00pm | 26/06/2027 2:30pm | 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. |
| Duplo Club |
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm - 3:30pm. For Children aged 8 and under they must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. t: 028 4461 2895 |
05/05/2026 2:30pm | 29/06/2027 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. |
| Rhythm & Rhyme |
Every Wednesday from 11:00am - 11:30am. 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! |
06/05/2026 11:00am | 30/06/2027 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 Rhythm and Rhyme Session |
Irish Language Rhythm and Rhyme session held on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 10:45am.
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. |
09/05/2026 10:00am | 12/06/2027 10:45am | 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 |
Lego Club every Monday from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. For children aged 6-10 years, children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking not essential. |
11/05/2026 3:30pm | 28/06/2027 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. |
| Knit and Natter |
Every Thursday from 11:00am - 1:00pm. 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. |
28/05/2026 11:00am | 24/06/2027 1:00pm | 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 Writing Group |
Come along to our monthly creative writing group that takes place on the first Tuesday of each month; the event is hosted by local writer Drew Bassett, where you can create and share your own poetry with other members. |
07/07/2026 5:00pm | 06/07/2027 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Musical Instruments Picture Hunt |
See if you can find all the hidden musical instrument pictures. |
09/07/2026 9:30am | 22/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Workshop with Local Author |
Come along and meet author, Kieron Black, who will be hosting a workshop and story session. |
09/07/2026 2:30pm | 09/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Turn Our Tree from Winter to Summer |
Write your favourite joke on leaves and flowers, decorate, and add them to our joke tree, bringing it back into blossom. |
16/07/2026 2:00pm | 16/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Famous Faces From History Picture Hunt |
Search for pictures of famous people from history. |
23/07/2026 9:30am | 29/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Pack Your Suitcase: A Wartime Childhood Adventure |
Every object has a story to tell! In this hands-on history and craft session with the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, children will explore an evacuee suitcase, wartime objects and children's toys from the Second World War before making their own flying paper dart and funny faces book to take home. |
23/07/2026 2:00pm | 23/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Famous Detectives Picture Hunt |
Can you spy all the Detectives? |
30/07/2026 9:30am | 02/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Escape Room Mystery |
Can you solve our 'Pooh'-themed escape room mystery? |
30/07/2026 2:00pm | 30/07/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Superhero Picture Hunt |
Do you know your superheroes? Search for pictures of your favourite superheroes hidden in the children’s section of the library. |
03/08/2026 9:30am | 12/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Superhero Time Adventures! |
Design a superhero and create its own comic strip adventure. |
03/08/2026 2:00pm | 03/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Local Wildlife Picture Hunt |
Learn which animals are native to Northern Ireland. |
13/08/2026 9:30am | 15/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Make Your Own Bug Hotel |
Attention bug hunters! Join us for a craft event where old containers are recycled into mini bug hotels using natural materials. Decorate your bug hotel, take it home and see who checks in. For children aged 7-11 years, children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. |
13/08/2026 2:00pm | 13/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Famous Inventions Picture Hunt |
See if you can find all the famous inventions pictures. |
17/08/2026 9:30am | 29/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Science Magic! |
Join us for fun science experiments and see the magic in everyday things. |
17/08/2026 2:00pm | 17/08/2026 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. |
| Big Summer Read - Storybook Dungeons and Dragons |
Enjoy an introduction to Dungeons and Dragons with an adventure based on a library picture book. |
28/08/2026 2:30pm | 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. |