Belfast Central Library

Belfast Central Library

Latest Service Updates

CUSTOMER NOTICE: Bank Holiday Closure on Monday 25 August
 
Libraries across Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 25 August. Our online services will still be available on that date.

Click here to get the latest information about our library services and opening times

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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 

Everyone welcome

The Chess Club is for anyone who wishes to participate in a chess game. It is an opportunity to meet new people, discuss tactics and strategies and browse/borrow our chess books whilst enjoying complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits.
Chess sets available.

 
 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.
Belfast Central Library Tour  
Last Friday of every month from 10:30am - 11:30am.

Join us for a tour of one of Belfasts most iconic buildings. Find out the history (and the secrets!) of Northern Irelands oldest public library.

Booking not required.
 30/05/2025 10:30am 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.
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.


Classic Book Group is fully booked at present, if you wish to be on the waiting list, please contact the Belfast Information and Business Library.


t: 028 90509149

 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.
Inspired Touring Exhibition  

This exhibition will be available to view during normal opening hours.
Inspire, the mental health and wellbeing charity, is marking its 65th anniversary with a poignant and powerful exhibition, INSPIRED, bringing together the stories of its service users and staff.
The multi-media exhibition consists of everyday items, each belonging to one individual and prompting a story or memory of a specific point in their life. Each seemingly mundane article (a set of car jump leads, a 1970s iron, a pair of running shoes, a front door key) has a deeply personal story conveyed through audio narration by the story-tellers themselves. Each shares intimate reflections on their experiences, reflects on their past and, with support from Inspire, looks ahead to the future. 

 25/07/2025 9:00am 26/08/2025 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.
Heirloom by Kate O'Neill  

Art exhibition from Belfast-based artist Kate O'Neill will be on display in the foyer gallery throughout the month of August. An archival exhibition of new and old in collaboration with the late Desi O'Neill.

 09/08/2025 9:00am 29/08/2025 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.
Big Summer Read Graduation  

Collect a certificate for completing your Big Summer Read Challenge.
For children aged 4-11 years during opening hours.

 26/08/2025 9:30am 26/08/2025 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.