Books, Reading and Library Services Celebrated During Her Majesty The Queen’s Visit to Banbridge Library

Banbridge Library was full of excitement on Friday 21 March 2025 as it welcomed Her Majesty The Queen for a special visit celebrating books, reading and library services.

Arriving as part of a tour of Northern Ireland, The Queen was greeted by Libraries NI Chief Executive, Dr Jim O’Hagan, and introduced to Libraries NI Chairperson, Ms Bonnie Anley, and Vice-Chairperson Councillor Julie Gilmour before going on a tour of the library.

Her Majesty The Queen visits Banbridge Library, where she was welcomed by Dr Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive, Ms Bonnie Anley, Chairperson and Councillor Julie Gilmour, Vice-Chairperson. The visit celebrated the importance of books, reading and library services in communities across Northern Ireland.

A highlight of the visit was a lively Storytime session featuring Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back by local author Kate Russell, shared with Primary Three pupils from Abercorn Primary School. The Queen chatted to them about the story and their own experiences with horses. Her Majesty then listened to them sing nursery rhymes to round off the session. The Queen later presented the children with a Beth Toy.

Her Majesty The Queen listens in to a lively Storytime session featuring Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back read by Banbridge Library Assistant Jacqui Torrens and shared with pupils from Abercorn Primary School during her visit to Banbridge Library.

Children from Abercorn Primary School show Her Majesty the Queen their creative drawings and chat about their love of horses following a Storytime session.

The celebration of reading continued as The Queen met members of Banbridge Library’s adult reading group, who shared their love of books and reading recommendations. As a passionate advocate for literacy and storytelling, The Queen has championed reading through initiatives such as The Queen’s Reading Room, which spotlights inspiring books and authors.

Her Majesty The Queen shares a love of reading with members of Banbridge Library’s adult reading group Geraldine and Sheila, discussing favourite books and recommendations.

Speaking about the visit, Libraries NI Chief Executive, Dr Jim O’Hagan said:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to Banbridge Library and to showcase the vital role libraries play in supporting communities. This visit has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight the joy of reading, learning and creativity that libraries bring to the local members. We are extremely grateful for Her Majesty’s support and to everyone who made this occasion possible.”

Mrs Gemma Harrison, Principal of Abercorn Primary School, added:

"We were delighted to be part of this special occasion. The children were thrilled to share Storytime with Her Majesty The Queen and to show her their artwork inspired by the story. It was a truly memorable experience that will stay with them for years to come, with the children describing it as ‘the best day ever!’”

Her Majesty The Queen chats with members of Banbridge Library’s Craft and Chatter group, admiring their latest projects and hearing how the library provides a welcoming space for creativity and connection.

The Queen also took time to chat with members of the library’s Craft and Chatter group, who shared their latest projects and spoke about the library’s importance as a space for creativity and connection. Before departing, The Queen listened to a reading of the poem Spring by Ballymena poet Joyce Montgomery, recited by local drama academy owner Sinead Lunney, cut a special celebration cake and was presented with a signed copy of Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back by Kate Russell.

Her Majesty The Queen signs the Libraries NI Visitors Book during her visit to Banbridge Library.

Her Majesty The Queen joins Libraries NI Chairperson Bonnie Anley, Chief Executive Dr Jim O’Hagan, Vice-Chairperson Julie Gilmour and children from Abercorn Primary School in Banbridge Library.