Libraries
Libraries across Northern Ireland offer a wide range of free services including the loan of books and magazines, local history resources, eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, computer use, internet access and Wi-Fi. Libraries have a large selection of books for all ages, including large print books and audio books.
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Join the library
Library membership is free. You can join from birth and members can borrow up to nine items at any one time. Your library card allows you to borrow from and return to any Northern Ireland library or mobile library stop.
You can join online or in any Northern Ireland public library.
Find your local library
Online books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers
Libraries NI offers free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers.
There are over 23,800 eBooks and eAudiobooks, and 320 English language newspapers and many more in 60 other languages available.
Customers can borrow up to 36 eBooks and eAudiobooks at a time (18 from the Libby app and 18 from the BorrowBox app) for twenty one days with each book automatically dropping off your account at the end of the loan period.
There are 3,400 eMagazine titles including cookery, computers, home, sport, health and well being. These can be kept on your device as there is no expiry date.
Events and courses
Events and courses for people of all ages are held regularly in most libraries. These include talks, workshops, exhibitions, reading groups and computer courses.
Find out about events and courses at a library near you by entering your postcode on the following web page:
Summer Reading Challenge
The Libraries NI Summer Reading Challenge is free to take part in and takes place in July until the first week of September.
The Challenge encourages young people aged 4 - 11 to keep reading during the summer months.
Each child chooses their own personal reading goal, then reads any books to collect special stickers and other rewards throughout the summer.
Everyone who completes their personal challenge will get a certificate and medal from their local library.
The Summer Reading Challenge website has book recommendations, games, and activities to help children discover books to read. Children can create a digital profile to get rewards and earn virtual badges to mark their reading achievements too.
An adult can sign their child up to the challenge online, on the Reading Challenge Website, or call into any local library to collect a Summer Reading Challenge activity pack.
For further information visit the Libraries NI website or keep an eye on Libraries NI social media platforms.
Reading groups
Reading groups are held for adults, teenagers and children.
Rhythm and Rhyme
Parents and carers have the opportunity to enjoy nursery rhymes, stories and songs with babies and toddlers up to four years old.
Find a Rhythm and Rhyme event near you
Computer basics in small simple steps
The 'Got IT?' free course takes you through the basics of computers in small, simple steps. It is divided into three parts:
- introduction to computers
- introduction to the internet
- introduction to email
Each session lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. Library staff will be on hand to get you started, explaining the names and breaking down the jargon one piece at a time. You must be a library member to take part.
Go ON computer training session
This is a free session for people who want to find out more about technology and computers in a relaxed environment, at their own pace. It helps people improve their computer skills by offering help to do lots of everyday tasks on the computer. You must be a library member to take part.
Heritage services
Libraries NI has an wide range of resources for historians, researchers, genealogists, students and those with an interest in cultural and community life, past or present. These include:
- books
- newspapers and journals
- maps
- photographs
- archives and special collections
Heritage events take place regularly including talks, family history fairs, workshops and book launches.