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Libraries

Libraries NI looks after the library service for all public libraries. There are 108 libraries across Northern Ireland, which includes thirty libraries around Belfast.

Until 1 April 2009, five libraries boards were responsible for library services, with a board in Belfast and boards in the northern, western, southern and south eastern areas. These boards were replaced by one central organisation, Libraries NI, to provide an integrated library service.

The Department of Education for Northern Ireland is responsible for the provision of libraries in schools and colleges.

Membership at any public library is free and entitles you to borrow free books, borrow CDs, videos and DVDs for a weekly fee, and use Internet and reference facilities in all public libraries. You can join at any Libraries NI branch and obtain a library card.

Reading groups, adult and child literacy events are held throughout the year in different branches.

Readers with disabilities can borrow speaking books and books with large print. NI Libraries also arranges a mobile library service to hospitals and some care homes.

All publics libraries in Belfast are closed on Sunday. During the rest of the week, opening hours vary. Some small libraries are open only one or two days each week. Many libraries are open one evening a week until 8pm.