Switch Off and Reconnect During Mental Health Awareness Week with Libraries NI
This Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 12 May to Sunday 18 May 2025), Libraries NI is inviting families to join The Big Family Switch Off. Across Northern Ireland, libraries will be hosting events that encourage families to switch off their screens and spend quality time together in a welcoming, supportive space.
Throughout the week, libraries across Northern Ireland will host Big Family Switch Off events, offering families the chance to slow down and enjoy time together, free from digital distractions. Each branch will shape its own activities, but all will focus on creating a calm, supportive space where people can relax, meet others, and feel a sense of belonging.
Find out what’s happening in your local library below.
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Library | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Big Family Switch Off: The Great Whitehead Jigsaw Challenge |
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Whitehead Library invites you to switch off the screens and help us complete a giant 3,000-piece jigsaw puzzle! From Saturday 10th May, we’ll have the puzzle set up on two large tables in the library.
Drop in anytime during opening hours — or even pop by during out-of-hours access if you're registered — to add a few pieces. Stay for five minutes or fifty — it’s up to you! Whether you come alone for a quiet, mindful moment or bring the whole family for some relaxing screen-free fun, everyone is welcome.
It’s a chance to slow down, chat with others, or just focus in peace — one puzzle piece at a time. |
10/05/2025 10:00am | 17/05/2025 5:00pm | Whitehead Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Put away the phone, tablet or digital device for a time and enjoy the Ballyclare Library’s Big Family Switch Off to mark Mental health Awareness Week.
Available during library opening hours.
|
12/05/2025 9:30am | 12/05/2025 5:00pm | Ballyclare Library | 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. |
| Mental health Awareness Week - The Big Family Switch Off |
You are invited to join us at Ballyhackamore library for coffee, cake and chat. Have an email free afternoon and try some board games, minful colouring or simply relax and read.
|
12/05/2025 2:00pm | 12/05/2025 4:00pm | Ballyhackamore Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Unplug, Play and Connect |
Join us for a family time to play, create and connect with Lego as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Booking not required. |
12/05/2025 3:00pm | 12/05/2025 5:00pm | Woodstock Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Family Lego Club |
Switch off all devices and have some family Lego fun. Fun for all the family.
|
12/05/2025 3:30pm | 12/05/2025 4:30pm | Ballynahinch Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off and Purple Picnic |
Switch off from your digital devices and join us in Irvinestown Library for our coffee morning in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. We will be fundraising for Libraries NI's official charity, Action Mental Health.
Everyone is welcome to drop in, relax over a cup of tea or coffee (and some sweet treats!), and you are encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness of Mental Health! This will be an opportunity to relax, chat, and connect with others.
Booking not required. |
13/05/2025 10:00am | 13/05/2025 12:30pm | Irvinestown Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off and Coffee Morning |
Richhill Library invites you to the The Big Family Switch Off. We will be turning off all our devices and have a chat, or simply sit and read a book or the paper.
Refreshments will be provided, colouring pages for the children. This is in support of Mental Health Awareness Week. |
13/05/2025 11:00am | 13/05/2025 12:30pm | Richhill Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Visit Carnlough Library without digital devices, and instead enjoy mindful colouring, board games, and jigsaws.
Booking not required. |
13/05/2025 1:00pm | 13/05/2025 8:00pm | Carnlough Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Join us at Moira Library as we reminisce about the community in Moira and enjoy a shared activity over a cup of tea!
Booking not required. |
13/05/2025 2:30pm | 13/05/2025 4:00pm | Moira Library | 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 Family Switch Off |
Board games for families for the Family Big Switch off.
Booking not required. |
13/05/2025 3:00pm | 13/05/2025 5:00pm | Castlewellan Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Adult Switch off Board games and mindful colouring evening.
|
13/05/2025 6:00pm | 13/05/2025 7:30pm | Downpatrick Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Come along and enjoy the Antrim Library Big Family Switch Off with a reading corner with some comfy chairs and also a jigsaw table.
Booking not required. |
14/05/2025 9:30am | 14/05/2025 12:30pm | Antrim Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off: A Day to Unplug and Reconnect at Larne Library |
Join us at Larne Library on Wednesday 14th May from 10:00am to 5:00pm for a special Big Family Switch Off as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Enjoy a relaxed, screen-free day in our community hub with board games, mindfulness colouring, a community jigsaw, newspapers, and a chance to sit down with a recommended read. You can also drop by for a cuppa and a chat with our friendly staff, either inside or outside on our chatty bench. Meet our Knit and Natter group and get inspired to try your hand at knitting or crochet.
Children can get creative all day with emoji wall art, LEGO, and colouring-in activities. There’s something for all ages to enjoy – come along, unplug, and reconnect.
Booking not required. |
14/05/2025 10:00am | 14/05/2025 5:00pm | Larne Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off and Community Coffee Morning |
Switch off from your digital devices and join us in Fintona Library for our coffee morning in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. We will be fundraising for Libraries NI's official charity, Action Mental Health.
Everyone is welcome to drop in, relax over a cup of tea or coffee (and some sweet treats!), and you are encouraged to wear purple to raise awareness of Mental Health! This will be an opportunity to relax, chat, and connect with others. |
14/05/2025 11:00am | 14/05/2025 12:30pm | Fintona Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Games Afternoon |
Switch off all devices and play some family games, colour in or complete a jigsaw.
|
14/05/2025 2:00pm | 14/05/2025 4:00pm | Ballynahinch Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Switch off this Mental Heath Awareness Week and enjoy some time at the library.
|
14/05/2025 2:00pm | 14/05/2025 3:00pm | Greystone Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Join staff at Tandragee Library to enjoy an afternoon free from digital devices and screens.
Take time to chat with staff and other customers over some tea, coffee and refreshments. Play board games or relax with a book. |
14/05/2025 2:00pm | 14/05/2025 4:30pm | Tandragee Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Unplug, Play and Connect |
Join us for a family time to play Lego and board games and connect as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Booking not required. |
14/05/2025 2:30pm | 14/05/2025 4:30pm | Ardoyne Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Visit Ballymena Library without digital devices and instead enjoy reading, board games, jigsaws, mindful colouring or connect with others at our chatty table.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 10:00am | 15/05/2025 8:00pm | Ballymena Central Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off: Brew, Browse and Bond |
It’s time to hit pause on screens and say hello to stories! Drop into our Big Family Switch Off, where you can enjoy a relaxed cuppa and a chat while choosing books for you and your little ones.
Part of our friendly Brew and Browse session, this is the perfect chance to unwind, reconnect, and find your next great read—together.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 10:30am | 15/05/2025 5:00pm | Portglenone Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Visit Broughshane Library without digital devices, and instead enjoy Teddy bears picnic, brew and browse, mindful colouring and board games.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 11:00am | 15/05/2025 1:00pm | Broughshane Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Board Games |
Come along to Cloughfern Library and mark Mental Health Awareness Week with a Big Family Switch Off where we play board games!
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 2:00pm | 15/05/2025 5:00pm | Cloughfern Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Board Game and Craft Day |
Come along to the library and have a device free day at the Big Family Switch Off - Board Game and Craft Day.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 2:00pm | 15/05/2025 7:00pm | Glengormley Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Take a break from digital devices and spend quality time with your loved ones at our Big Family Switch Off! Hosted at Greenisland Library during Mental Health Awareness Week, this event invites families to engage in face-to-face conversation over tea, coffee, and refreshments.
Enjoy a range of activities—whether you're playing board games, chatting with staff and neighbours, or indulging in some mindful colouring. There’s no need to book in advance, so just drop in and disconnect to reconnect! |
15/05/2025 2:00pm | 15/05/2025 5:00pm | Greenisland Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off Afternoon |
Enjoy reading, board games, Lego and mindful colouring as part of our digital detox for mental health awareness week.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 2:00pm | 15/05/2025 4:30pm | Saintfield Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Not Board at all Games |
Ormeau library invites families to switch off their devices and gather together for a selection of board games and Lego.
Booking not required. |
15/05/2025 2:30pm | 15/05/2025 3:30pm | Ormeau Road Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off and Purple Picnic |
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, everyone is invited to join us in Enniskillen Library for our Big Family Switch Off! Set aside those digital devices and enjoy connection with others over sweet treats and a cup of tea or coffee at our Purple Picnic, as we fundraise for Libraries NI's official charity, Action Mental Health.
We will have Action Mental Health representatives in attendance to tell you all about the work that they do and we will also have a Purple Teddy Bear's Picnic with stories and rhymes for little ones at 11:00am. |
16/05/2025 11:00am | 16/05/2025 1:00pm | Enniskillen Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch off - Let's Lego Together |
Colin Glen Library invites families to switch off their devices and be creative together with Lego.
Booking not required. |
16/05/2025 2:30pm | 16/05/2025 4:30pm | Colin Glen Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Join us for an afternoon of reading, board games, mindfulness, jigsaws and refreshments: all without the aid of digital devices. Embrace the unique value of your library
|
16/05/2025 2:30pm | 16/05/2025 4:00pm | Bangor Carnegie Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off - Silent Book Club |
Bring your own or grab a read on the day and enjoy the "Silent Book Club."
|
16/05/2025 3:00pm | 16/05/2025 4:00pm | Crumlin Library | 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. |
| Mental Health Awareness Week: Big Family Switch Off |
Join staff at Armagh City Library to enjoy an afternoon free from digital devices and screens. Take time to chat with staff and other customers over some tea, coffee and refreshments.
Play board games or relax while completing some Mindful Colouring.
Booking not required. |
16/05/2025 3:00pm | 16/05/2025 5:00pm | Armagh City | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
This Mental Health Awareness Week we’re inviting families to press pause on digital distractions and rediscover the joy of shared time in the library - have fun with stories, colouring in, games, and jigsaws!!
Everyone welcome. |
17/05/2025 10:00am | 17/05/2025 3:00pm | Omagh Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, join us for a special Big Family Switch Off. Step away from screens and enjoy some quality time together with board games, LEGO, and puzzles — no devices, just good old-fashioned fun. It’s the perfect chance to relax, connect, and boost your wellbeing through play.
Booking not required. |
17/05/2025 10:30am | 17/05/2025 12 noon | Carrickfergus Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Sample the simple delights of your local library. Enjoy reading a book or have a cup of tea whilst reading the newspaper, or chatting with others.
Children can play with traditional board games and jigsaws, do mindful colouring or play with Lego and enjoy a Storytime session. |
17/05/2025 10:30am | 17/05/2025 3:30pm | Rathfriland Library | 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. |
| The Big Family Switch Off |
Children's switch off Board games, big games, colouring and Lego.
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17/05/2025 2:00pm | 17/05/2025 4:00pm | Downpatrick Library | 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. |