Explore Local History with Libraries NI for European Heritage Open Days

Libraries NI is inviting people to discover more about Northern Ireland’s local history, buildings and stories with a series of free events taking place as part of European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) this September.

Ballycastle Library, Belfast Central Library and Bangor Carnegie Library will each offer a different opportunity to explore local heritage, from discovering the origins of familiar Causeway Coast placenames to stepping inside two historic library buildings and learning more about their past.

On Thursday 10 September from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Ballycastle Library will host ‘Placenames of the Causeway Coast’, exploring the stories hidden within the names of places including Ballycastle, Rathlin, Fair Head and Murlough Bay.

The talk will reveal how local placenames offer clues to the landscape, language and history of the area, including the influence of Irish, Scots, Norse and English traditions. Booking is essential.

Belfast Central Library will host two events, beginning with a Family History Talk presented by the North of Ireland Family History Society on Thursday 10 September from 11:30am to 12:30pm.

Taking place in the NI Writers Room, the talk is ideal for anyone interested in starting their family history journey and will provide practical advice on family history resources and the use of DNA in research, as well as an opportunity to meet fellow family history enthusiasts. Booking is advisable.

On Saturday 12 September, Belfast Central Library will invite visitors to explore its magnificent Victorian building with two guided tours at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Visitors will hear about the history and architecture of the library, which first opened its doors in 1888, enjoy a look behind the scenes and finish the tour with an opportunity to see some of the treasures held in the Fine Book Room. Booking is not required.

Also on Saturday 12 September, Bangor Carnegie Library will host a guided tour at 11:30am exploring the history and architecture of the building. The tour will trace its story from its early twentieth-century beginnings as a library and technical school through to its role as a library serving the Bangor community today. Booking is essential.

European Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity to explore the history that surrounds us and discover some of the stories behind familiar places and buildings.

Libraries have their own important place in the history of our towns and cities, and they also provide access to a wealth of information about our local heritage. We hope people will take the opportunity to join us, explore these wonderful buildings and discover something new about the places they know.

All events are free to attend.

To book for ‘Placenames of the Causeway Coast’, contact Ballycastle Library on 028 2076 2566 or email ballycastle.library@librariesni.org.uk.

To book the Bangor Carnegie Library guided tour, contact the library on 028 9127 0591 or email bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk.

Booking is advisable for the Family History Talk at Belfast Central Library on Thursday 10 September. Contact the library on 028 9050 9150 or email belfast.central@librariesni.org.uk.

Booking is not required for the Belfast Central Library tours. Visitors can simply come along for either the 10:30am or 2:30pm tour on Saturday 12 September.