Learning in your community
Learning is something you can do any day and at any time, whether you're in your local library, museum, cinema, art gallery or just exploring your local area. Many libraries, museums and galleries also have excellent learning sections on their websites.
Libraries
As well as providing a wide range of books, libraries usually have a variety of resources you can use. This can include:
- reference books
- journals and publications
- newspapers
- computers and other IT facilities
- music, videos and DVDs
- local information
- mobile library service visiting community areas
The British Library receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland. The library is located in London and holds various events, exhibitions and tours. Their website has a 'Greatest Treasures' section where, for example, you can turn the pages of Leonardo da Vinci's notebook, magnify the Magna Carta manuscript and read a translation, or look at Shakespeare's 93 plays. The site also has:
- catalogues and a search facility
- virtual exhibitions such as The Silk Road or Lie of the Land
- learning resources
- specialist journals
- newspaper archive
- ordering service for articles
- digital images
- reproductions service
- Libraries and books (leisure, home and community section)
- The British Library
Museums and galleries
The National Museums of Northern Ireland website has information on museums and galleries around the country.
Your local area
You can find out more about your local area by visiting the National Trust website. You can also look at historic maps and photographs at your local library. Your tourist office can give you information about historic walks, events and attractions.
Film, television and theatre
The British Film Institute manages the largest film and television archive in the world. Archived material is accessible via exhibitions and screenings in cinemas. Locally, you can check out what is happening on the Northern Ireland screen website.

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