Step Back in Time: Free Wartime Evacuees Events in Belfast Libraries
Published 29 Jul 2025
Children across Belfast will have the chance to step back in time this August, as Libraries NI joins up with the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum to host a series of interactive Wartime Evacuees events in several local libraries.
Young history enthusiasts will hear fascinating stories about what life was like for evacuees during the Second World War, see genuine wartime artefacts, and take part in creative activities inspired by real evacuee experiences. From making luggage labels for their teddies to imagining what they would pack for an evacuation, children will get a sense of the courage and resilience shown by evacuees all those years ago.
Each event will include stories, crafts, and the chance to handle objects from the War Memorial Museum’s collection, making history come to life in a fun and engaging way.
Families are invited to join in at the following libraries:
Lisburn Road Library
Monday 11 August, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Picnic in the library courtyard after colouring an evacuee label for your teddy!
Booking essential – ask staff for details, call 028 9050 9223 or email lisburnroad.library@librariesni.org.uk
Tullycarnet Library
Thursday 14 August, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Become an evacuee for the day – make your own luggage label and discover what you would have packed for your train journey.
Booking essential – ask staff for details, call 028 9048 5079 or email tullycarnet.library@librariesni.org.uk
Ormeau Road Library
Friday 15 August, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Stories, crafts, and artefacts that bring to life the bravery of evacuees during the War.
Booking essential – ask staff for details, call 028 9050 9228 or email ormeauroad.library@librariesni.org.uk
All sessions are suitable for children aged 6 to 11, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
For further details, contact your relevant participating library.
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