Belfast Central Library
Latest Service Updates
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Customer Notices
Belfast Central Library Service Update
Belfast Central Library is operating a reduced service from the ground floor while repair work continues in other areas of the building. The NI Writers’ Room and the Heritage Department will reopen on Wednesday 11 February with full access and standard opening hours.
We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding. Further updates will be shared as services return to normal.
Belfast Central Library Northern Ireland Contemporary Fiction Collection
This unique collection features works by authors born in Northern Ireland, those who have spent significant time living here, and books set within Northern Ireland. It will encompass a variety of genres, including adult and junior fiction, poetry, and plays.
The NI Contemporary Fiction Collection is on the second floor of Belfast Central Library, Royal Avenue. Music books, CDs, and scores are still available upon request from staff or via the Libraries NI catalogue, a selection of music titles can also be found in the Link corridor on the same floor.
View the Belfast Central Library 135th Anniversary Booklet
Library Location
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea and Newspapers |
Every Monday from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Everyone welcome. 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. |
28/04/2025 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. |
| Belfast Central Seed Library |
The Belfast Central Seed Library is situated beside the counter in our 1st floor reading room. It is very easy to take part: Simply take a packet or 2 of seeds from our seed catalogue drawers. We have a large selection of flower, plants, herb and vegetable seeds to choose from. And before you leave don’t forget to also check our A - Z of gardening related book subjects listed in the catalogue drawer. You might just find a book to help you with your planting! Then take your seed packets home, plant them and enjoy watching them grow and don’t forget to let us know how you get on. Finally, if you know of anyone else who would interested in our Seed Library please let them know about it. The more budding gardeners we can get the better as it will help our Seed Library continue to grow! Available during library opening hours. |
02/05/2025 9:00am | 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. |
| Go On - Newspaper Library One to One Sessions |
Find out about our extensive collection in the Newspaper Library and how to use it. Booking essential. t: 028 9050 9150 |
02/05/2025 9:30am | 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 Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am – 11:30am. Booking advised. 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 |
02/05/2025 11:00am | 26/06/2026 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. |
| Knit and Natter |
Every Tuesday from 10:30am - 11:30am. Everyone welcome. 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 | 23/06/2026 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. |
| Chess Club |
Every Tuesday morning on the 1st Floor |
06/05/2025 11:00am | 23/06/2026 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. |
| A Brew And A Browse |
Every Wednesday morning on the 1st Floor Everyone welcome. Enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits whilst you browse specially selected items on various topics from our extensive book and periodical stock. |
07/05/2025 11:00am | 24/06/2026 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. |
| Classical Music Club |
First Wednesday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Get together with like minded people to enjoy listening to and discussing all things classical music. Each month will focus on the music of a specific genre or composer. Booking essential. t: 028 9050 9150 |
07/05/2025 11:00am | 03/06/2026 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 |
Afternoon Storytime session every Wednesday 3:00pm – 3:30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking advised. t: 028 9050 9150 |
07/05/2025 3:00pm | 24/06/2026 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. |
| Mindful Colouring |
Every Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm. Everyone welcome. Mindful Colouring groups are for anyone who wants to explore the world of adult colouring with intricate colouring patterns and designs. They can enhance well-being, help calm the mind and relieve stress through relaxed, meditative colouring in. |
08/05/2025 10:30am | 25/06/2026 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. |
| Puzzles Around The Pillars |
Every Friday morning on the 1st Floor Everyone welcome Keep your mind active - relax with crosswords, sudokus and word searches in good company whilst enjoying complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits. |
09/05/2025 11:00am | 26/06/2026 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. |
| Shared Reading Group |
Every Friday 2:30pm - 3:30pm. Come along and enjoy listening to literature being read aloud in real time and be part of a shared reading group discussion. You will enjoy listening to a great story or poem, with no pressure to talk or read. Refreshments provided. |
09/05/2025 2:30pm | 26/06/2026 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. |
| Lego Club |
Every Saturday from 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Booking advised. Come along to have Lego building fun. Fun and creative ideas for things to make and build Lego. Lego ages- 6-10 Dupio ages- 4-6 |
10/05/2025 2:00pm | 27/06/2026 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. |
| Lunchtime Adult Reading Group |
Lunchtime Reading Group; Last Friday of the Month. From 12:30pm – 1:30pm Chat about popular titles from a wide range of genres in a relaxed and informal setting. Free tea and coffee will be provided – feel free to bring a packed lunch. Please contact Belfast Central Library for more information and to pick up a copy of this month’s book. |
30/05/2025 12:30pm | 26/06/2026 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. |
| Classic Book Group |
First Thursday of the month from 1:00pm - 2:00pm.
Chat about classic titles from a wide range of genres in a relaxed and informal setting. Free tea and coffee will be provided – feel free to bring a packed lunch.
|
05/06/2025 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. |
| Art Exhibition for Look North! The North Belfast Festival |
An exhibition of artwork made in collaboration with Malvern Primary School, Holy Family Primary School and Beat Carnival to explore the theme of 'Home' for Look North! The North Belfast Festival 2026. |
26/02/2026 9:00am | 23/03/2026 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. |
| Hands-On Heritage: Exploring the Bigger Archive |
Belfast Central Library: 11.00am–1.00pm |
12/03/2026 11:00am | 12/03/2026 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. |
| Family History Fair |
Belfast Central Library:10.00am–2.00pm |
13/03/2026 10:00am | 13/03/2026 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. |
| Using DNA to Research Your Northern Irish Ancestors |
Belfast Central Library: 2.00pm–3.00pm |
13/03/2026 2:00pm | 13/03/2026 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. |
