Libraries

Libraries across Northern Ireland offer a wide range of free services including the loan of books and magazines, local history resources, eBooks, eMagazines, computer use, internet access and Wi-Fi. Libraries have a large selection of books for all ages, including large print books and audio books.

 

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 and magazines 

Libraries NI offers free eBooks and eMagazines.

There are 48,000 items and 11,500 titles in the eBooks catalogue. There are no fines for late return of eBooks as they simply expire (end) at the end of the loan period.

There are 200 eMagazine titles including cookery, computers, home, sport, health and wellbeing. 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:

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.

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. 

More useful links

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