Whats On This Book Week NI

As part of Book Week NI, Ballycastle Library is delighted to welcome local author, Bernie McQuillan, who will deliver a live reading, discussion and Question & Answer session on her novel ‘The Lobster Pot’ - a riveting family saga of high drama and tension, of intrigue, lies and suspense. Using this original concept story, Bernie will provide a unique live reading, discussion on the origins of how ‘The Lobster Pot’ was written, her own creative journey and an interactive question and answer session with those in attendance. Booking Advisable

t: 028 2076 2566
e: ballycastle.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Irish ghost stories and tales of terror. International storyteller and bestselling author Steve Lally describes the mysterious world that lurks beyond the ethereal veil that separates us from the Fairy Realm with a unique selection of haunting folktales and thrilling ghost stories.

Booking Essential.

t: 028 3026 4683
e: newrycity.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us for a murder mystery evening filled with twists, turns and lots of laughter. 
Suitable for Adults. Booking essential.
 

t: 028 9335 2269 
e: ballyclare.library@librariesni.org.uk  
 

Join Jo Britland from Performing Starz for a fun and engaging Dance, Play and Story Session. Through a mix of interactive storytelling, imaginative play and movement activities, children and their families will enjoy a lively hour filled with creativity, laughter and participation. Come along for a magical mix of stories, movement and play that the whole family can enjoy.

Children aged 0-4; All children must be accompanied by an adult

Booking Essential.

t: 028 9083 3797
e: glengormley.library@librariesni.org.uk  

As part of Book Week NI Bart O’Donnell shall be chatting about buildings that have been lost and saved throughout the city in Derry Central Library.

Booking Essential
t: 028 7122 9990
e: derrycentral.library@librariesni.org.uk

Join our Book Week NI book club session in Lisnaskea with no required reading! At our book club we will share, discuss and recommend books we've enjoyed, have read recently or are currently reading with other book lovers! All interests welcome! Refreshments provided. Suitable for adults. No booking required.

Join us for book themed quizzes, puzzles and chat.
Ask staff for details.

t: 028 9188 2507
e: donaghadee.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Susan Bennett is a writer based in Co. Antrim. She has been longlisted for the Cambridge Short Story Prize and shortlisted for the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Ulster's Thought for the Day.

Booking advisable
t: 028 8774 0569
e:coalisland.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

Join us for a special afternoon with Janice Hallett, the bestselling and award-winning author behind some of the most original crime novels of recent years, including The Appeal, The Twyford Code, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, and The Examiner.

Known for her inventive storytelling and brilliantly constructed mysteries, Janice Hallett has been hailed as a fresh voice in contemporary crime fiction and has been described by reviewers as a “modern Agatha Christie.” Suitable for adults. Booking essential.
 

t: 028 9335 2269
e: ballyclare.library@librariesni.org.uk  
 

Join us for a book themed craft session.
Age 6-10 years accompanied by adult.
Booking essential.

t: 028 9188 2507
e: donaghadee.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Creggan Library will be hosting a children's craft session to celebrate Book Week NI.
Suitable for children aged 5 - 11 years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 7126 6168
e: creggan.library@librariesni.org.uk  

Join us in Colin Glen Library to celebrate Book Week NI! Make your very own Caterpillar inspired by ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and enjoy some of our library's favourite stories. 

Booking is Advised.
t: 028 9043 1266 
e:DairyFarmLibrary@librariesni.org.uk 

Join us in Lisnaskea Library as part of Book Week NI 2026 to make your own Reading Door Hanger. Let people know you are busy reading and do not want to be disturbed with your own fun design! Suitable for children aged 4 years and above; children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required.

Join us in Irvinestown Library for a free event for children aged four and up where we will be on the hunt for all your favourite characters that have got lost in our children’s section. 

Booking essential. 
t: 028 6862 1383
e: irvinestown.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us for a special Rhyme and Rhyme in Irish
Suitable for children aged 0-4 years. Booking Essential.
t: 028 4062 3973
e: banbridge.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us every Saturday morning at 10:30am from 24th October to 28th November for a wonderful Gruffalo Story Time at Coleraine Library!
 

We'll be reading from:
 

Gruffalo Granny

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo's Child
 

Every family who attends will be entered into a free raffle for a chance to win a copy of one of the following titles:
 

Gruffalo Granny

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo's Child

Have You Seen the Gruffalo?
 

After story time, why not stay and enjoy some Gruffalo colouring and activities?
 

Come along for stories, fun and a little Gruffalo magic every Saturday morning. All are welcome!

(children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult).

Contact the branch, to ask staff for more details.

t: 028 7034 2561
e: Coleraine.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Come to Maghera Library and turn a potato into your favourite book character. All craft materials and potatoes provided.
Free event for children aged 5 - 11.

Booking essential
Contact branch for more details.
t: 02879642578
e: maghera.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Climb aboard and watch a favourite Belfast story come to life!
Join author Mel Carroll for a very special family adventure inspired by his book, The Belfast Fairy tale. 
Travel through the city, spot places and landmarks from the story and follow the journey with your own specially created map.

With Mel along for the ride, young readers can experience the story beyond the page and discover Belfast as they’ve never seen it before.

Booking essential. Bookings will be taken via Holywood Arches Library.
t: 028 9050 9216
e: holywoodarches.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Our lives can feel busy with endless to-do lists and demands, or heavy with loss and the state of the world. Poetry has the power to acknowledge loss and still make room for hope, to hold grief and still allow for joy. Take some time to let yourself breathe and to discover ‘pockets of joy’ in this poetry workshop with multi-award-winning poet, Stephanie Conn. We will look at the work of established writers as a spring-board for our own writing. Stephanie will gently guide us through a range of engaging and inspiring prompts in an encouraging environment. 

No previous experience required. 
Booking essential. 

t: 028 9127 0591
e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk



 

Celebrate Book Week in Kilrea Library by creating your own bookmark using the amazing selection of decorative items from our Craft Box.
Suitable for children aged 5-10. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.
t:028 295 40630
e:kilrea.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Join us for a fun session of Storytime and Craft to celebrate Book Week NI 2026.
Age: 4 - 8.  Booking essential.
Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult.

t: 028 4176 2278
e: kilkeel.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Celebrate Book Week NI with local children's author Tim Bailie from Larne as he shares stories from his popular books, including The Proud Parakeet, The Six-Legged Spider and Mouse and the Moon Rocket. Join us for a fun and engaging author visit with story readings and plenty of imagination.

Children aged 5-8 years; children under 8 years of age  must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking Not  Essential.

t: 028 2827 7047

e: Larne.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Come along and meet children’s author Tim Bailie, the creator of wonderful stories including The Proud Parakeet, The Mouse and the Moon Rocket, and many more! 

Join us for a fun-filled session where Tim will read from his stories, share his love of books, and meet young readers.
Children 5-8 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

 Booking not essential
t: 028 2827 7047
e: larne.library@librariesni.org.uk

 

Our Book Week NI celebrations are finishing with a special storytime and craft session for children aged 4 - 11.
No need to book, just drop in.
Children Under 8yrs need to be accompanied by an adult.

Come along to Killyleagh Library and take part in our Find the Book Characters Scavenger Hunt. Suitable for 4 - 8 years accompanied by an adult. 
Booking not required.

t: 028 4482 8407  
e: killyleagh.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Come along and discover about moths, create your own "observers" book cover and add a drawing to a collaborative concertina book, as part of Sarah's art exhibition, currently on display in Saintfield library.  Ages 5-11.  
Booking Required.  
Children Under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

t: 028 9751 0550
e: saintfield.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Come along to Brownlow Library's book-themed Show and Tell to celebrate Book Week NI. Borrow or bring your favourite book, or an object that reminds you of it, and share with us why it is special to you. Feel free to dress up as your favourite character. 

For children aged 4-10 years.
Booking essential.

t: 028 3834 1946
e: brownlow.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us at Rathfriland library and enjoy listening to classic children's stories to celebrate Book Week NI.  We'll also be making a fun craft!

Suitable for 4 - 8 year olds.  Children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking Required

t: 028 4063 0661
e: rathfriland.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us in celebrating Book Week NI, for a morning of monstrous fun. Listen to stories of Nibbles The Book Monster. Make your own play dough, and design your very own book monster! 

For ages 4 - 10 years. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential
t: 02830 861951
e: judith.mcgann@librariesni.org.uk 

Derry Central Library staff shall lead a story circle as part of Book Week NI.  Children are welcome to come along and enjoy fun filled storytelling exploring their favourite reads.
Suitable for children age 4-8.  Children to be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential
t: 028 7122 9990
e: derrycentral.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

This Book Week NI, Garvagh Library welcomes children aged 4-8 to join us for our Craft Your Caterpillar craft. Led by our lovely library staff, we will walk you through how to make the beloved children’s book character the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone Welcome.

t: 028 2955 8500
e: garvagh.library@librariesni.org.uk
 

Join us during Book Week NI and get a chance to visit the Fine Book Room of Belfast Central Library to see some of the oldest, rarest, and most beautiful books in our collection.

Booking advisable 
t: 028 9050 9156
e: belfast.heritage@librariesni.org.uk

 

Meet local author Simon Maltman and discover the ideas, experiences and imagination behind his writing. Hear about Northern Noir, his inspiration and take part in a Q&A to find out what it’s really like to be an author.

As part of Book Week NI, Tandragee Library staff have hidden characters from your favourite books in the library. Come and find them if you can!

Children aged 4-8 years old
Booking essential
t: 028 3884 0694
e: tandragee.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Come along to Cushendall library and help our friendly staff celebrate Book Week by dressing up as your favourite book character and listening to some magical stories that showcase our favourite books! Perhaps we'll be reading your favourite story?! This event is for children of any age. Booking is essential.
e: cushendall.library@librariesni.org.uk
t: 028 2177 1297

Step into the quiet of a historic building for a new kind of book group at our Silent Reading Club! Whether you're trying to finish a page-turner or just want a peaceful space to relax, bring your current read and settle into uninterrupted reading time surrounded by stunning architecture and great company.
 

After an hour, break out into conversation with your fellow attendees (or just keep reading!). Perfect for introverts and extroverts alike, enjoy the cosy ambiance of solo reading paired with the social aspect of conversation with other readers. You can also enjoy free tea, coffee, and refreshments while you read and chat.

Come along to hear from decorated local writer Siobhán Murphy, author of The Hedgefall Chronicles, about her journey to being published, her writing process and how fantasy, apocalyptic and speculative fiction literature has shaped her work. Find out first hand by taking part in our Q&A what it is like to be an author, develop resilience, and overcome setbacks along the way. 
Everyone welcome, booking is essential. 

t: 028 9127 0591
e: bangorcarnegie.library@librariesni.org.uk


 

Share some book-themed stories and give some old books a new lease of life at Armagh City Library by transforming them into beautiful creations to decorate your home.
 

For children aged 4-8 years; children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking essential.
t: 028 3752 4072
e: armagh.library@librariesni.org.uk  

Bangor native Colin Bateman is the author of many critically acclaimed novels, including several that he has adapted for the screen. His first novel, Divorcing Jack, was published in 1995 and won the Betty Trask Prize.
Join Colin, our special Book Week NI guest, as he discusses his writing and takes questions from the audience.
 

Booking is essential
t: 028 9266 9345
e: lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Dress up as your favourite book character and bring the magic of your favourite stories to life! Whether you’re a brave hero, a magical witch, a cheeky character, a fearsome dragon or someone completely unforgettable, come along in your best book-inspired costume and join our spectacular character parade. Then let the adventure continue as we dive into a magical world of storytelling, imagination and fun!
 

Children aged 4-11 years; children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking not required.

t: 028 9086 5419
e: greenisland.library@librariesni.org.uk  
 

To celebrate Book Week NI join award-winning storyteller Vicky McFarland from Tale Time Stories.
Step into a world of myths, magic, fairytales and folktales. From the Brothers Grimm to the gods and heroes of Greek mythology, Vicky brings traditional tales to life through animated, engaging storytelling, with plenty of fun and a little bit of magic.
 

For children aged 4 to 10 years
Booking is essential
t: 028 9261 9330
e: moira.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Meet the authors of the Aisling books, an Irish publishing sensation with over 400,000 copies sold. Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen will chat about their fantastic new novel Our Deadly Summer and the beloved Aisling series. 
Booking advisable.
t: 028 9050 9150
e: belfast_central_library@librariesni.org.uk

 

Join historical romance novelist, Seana Catherine Tinley, for an interactive creative writing workshop which covers the genres with a special focus on romance, trad v indie publishing, character arcs and story structure. There will also be a Q&A. Booking essential. 
t: 028 4461 2895

e: downpatrick.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Join us for a fun Hansel and Gretel themed Storytime and Craft event!

For children aged 4 – 8 years accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential

t: 028 3026 4683
e: newrycity.library@librariesni.org.uk

Filming/Recording will be taking place during the event.

Calling all crime fiction fans! Join Radio Ulster’s Kerry McLean for a fascinating panel discussion with acclaimed crime authors Janice Hallett and Sam Blake. Discover the secrets behind great crime writing, the enduring influence of Agatha Christie, and what keeps readers hooked on a good mystery. A must for fans of twists, turns and whodunits!

Adults. Booking essential.
t: 028 9336 2261
e: carrickfergus.library@librariesni.org.uk 

Join us for a special Book Week NI event with acclaimed Northern Ireland author Hilary McCollum as she discusses her latest novel, As a Lover. You may already know Hilary from her debut novel, Gold Digger, or her memoir, Funny Peculiar, published under the pseudonym Constance McCullagh.

Whether you're already a fan of her writing or discovering her work for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of Northern Ireland's most compelling contemporary voices. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the audience Q&A. 

Adult Event.

Booking Essential.

Saturday 24 October 2026 .

3:00pm-4:00pm 

t: 028 9335 3249

e: whitehead.library@librariesni.org.uk