Libraries NI Latest Service Updates
Libraries NI Christmas Holiday Closure
All libraries will be closed on Monday 23 December to Saturday 28 December 2024 inclusive.
We will reopen to customers on Monday 30 December with normal opening hours and on Tuesday 31 December with all libraries closing at 5:00pm.
All branches will be closed on Wednesday 1 January 2025 and normal opening hours will resume on Thursday 2 January 2025.
The Mobile and Homecall Services will be off the road from Monday 23 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive.
Some of the Out of Hours Services will not be available from the Friday 20 December, but all will not be available from Sunday 22 December to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive. Normal Out of Hours Service will resume on Thursday 2 January 2025.
To stock up on Christmas holiday reading, customers can now borrow up to 18 books and this increased borrowing will remain in place until Wednesday 1 January. Return dates for books borrowed from Monday 25 November will be extended to account for library holiday closures.
Throughout the holiday period, customers can continue to have immediate and free access to thousands of eBook and eAudiobook, eNewspaper and eMagazine titles through our online library. Up to 36 eBooks can be borrowed at a time (18 from Libby and 18 from BorrowBox).
Card Payments in libraries
From Monday 25 November, there will be a rolling programme to introduce card payments across the network of libraries. Customers will be able to pay using debit/credit cards (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) at RFID machines and customer desks. The system is configured for Mastercard and Visa (American Express will not be accepted). Cash payments will still be possible through the customer desks and if you have any questions please ask a member of staff.
Belfast Central Library Northern Ireland Contemporary Fiction Collection
Starting mid-October, Belfast Central Library will be home to the NI Contemporary Fiction Collection.
This unique collection will feature 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 collection aims to gather the works of local authors in one central location, providing a comprehensive literary record of Northern Ireland's contemporary fiction.
You can explore the NI Contemporary Fiction Collection on the second floor of Belfast Central Library, Royal Avenue. Our 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.
LIBBY SERVICE
All customers will be asked for their membership number and their PIN number. Any customers already logged in to the app will only be asked for a PIN number if logged out.
If you have forgotten your PIN number you can use either the Libraries NI app or the Libraries NI website to reset your PIN. To find out more visit the FAQ section of our website.
NEW MEMBERS
New library members who join online should use their membership number “UNREGXXXXXXX” to access the Libby and BorrowBox apps. However, if you have called into a library and received a library card then please use the membership number on the card to log in, “1000XXXXXX”.
We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the following notices.
UPDATES RELATING TO LIBRARIES INCLUDING TEMPORARY AND EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE DATES:
- Grove Library will be closed on Thursday 2 January. Alternative libraries include Chichester and Belfast Central.
- Cloughfern Library will be closed on Saturday 21 December. Alternative libraries include Glengormley and Greenisland.
- Saintfield Library will be closed from 6:00pm - 6:30pm on Tuesdays and closed from 1:30pm - 2:00pm on Fridays. Alternative libraries include Downpatrick.
Fivemiletown Library Reopens on Thursday 12 December with Brand New Look
Libraries NI is delighted to announce that Fivemiletown Library is reopening on Thursday 12 December at 9:00am.
This new and modern facility has been designed to support the community providing spaces for reading, studying, hosting events and it will be of great benefit to anyone looking for a productive environment to work or study in, or a place to connect with other local people, or a place to simply find your next good read.
Killyleagh Library Reopens with Brand New Look
Killyleagh Library reopened its doors on Tuesday 29 October 2024 following a period of closure to facilitate a comprehensive refurbishment.
The refurbishment includes the removal of the unused first floor of the building, the installation of an energy-efficient heating system, mechanical ventilation, and heat recovery system, alongside energy-efficient general and emergency LED lighting. Ceilings and plaster throughout the library have been replaced, and both internal and external redecoration has been completed. The exterior has seen the addition of insulation throughout together with a combination of a self-coloured render system with a feature panel of wall cladding to highlight the entrance to the building. A brand-new roof has been added equipped with a photovoltaic array, which are solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity helping to reduce the energy consumption of the library.
Further enhancements include the upgrade of the staff kitchen and public bathroom, new automated entrance doors, and the installation of triple-glazed windows and doors. The library also features new floor coverings, an upgraded intruder alarm and fire alarm system, and a new reception desk along with library furniture. Also, to improve accessibility, new paved external paths around the building have been provided together with a new access gate.
Killyleagh Library is open four days a week including a Saturday. For more information on opening hours and activities taking place, please contact Killyleagh Library on telephone 028 4482 8407 or email killyleagh.library@librariesni.org.uk
UPDATES RELATING TO OUT OF HOURS SERVICE:
UPDATES RELATING TO MOBILE LIBRARIES:
- Armagh and Craigavon Mobile Library will be unavailable until Monday 6 January 2025.
- Belfast Mobile Library will be unavailable from Monday 16 December until Monday 6 January 2025.
- Dungannon Mobile Library is currently unavailable. Nearest libraries include Dungannon Library and Omagh Library.
UPDATES RELATING TO HOMECALL SERVICE:
- the Causeway Coast Homecall Service is currently unavailable.
