Welcome
The Belfast Central Library is situated on Belfast’s Royal Avenue. It was designed by W.H.Lynn as part of an architectural competition in 1882. It was official opened in 1888 and was the first free public library in Belfast. It is designed in the classical style and is constructed from red sandstone and black granite. Its main features are its impressive domed reading room and feature staircase.
The Library gathers, organises and presents information aimed at developing the cultural life of the city and its citizens. It is comprised of several departments;
® Learning Gateway: In this department users can become familiar with new technology by providing a range of courses some with recognised qualification.
® Business department: This is the main publicly available source of business information in Northern Ireland.
. Music Library: This department contains the best collection of books, songbooks, printed and recorded music of any public library in Northern Ireland.
® General Reference department: This department contains information on the arts, literature, politics, history, science, technology, religion and language. It has a number of special collections.
® Belfast Ulster and Irish Department: In this department users will find material on a wide range of subjects relating to Ireland and its people, with the emphasis on the north of Ireland.
® Outreach department: This services the needs of the elderly and disabled people of Belfast.
As part of the Peoples Network the Central Library along side twenty two other branch libraries offers free Internet facilities to all library members. It also runs events and classes. Access is available for people with disabilities.
Opening hours;
Mon, Thur 9.00 - 8.00pm
Tues, Wed, Fri, 9.00 -5.30pm
Sat 9.00 -1.00pm
Visits to the library are welcome and can be arranged by contacting us at 02890509150.
We welcome anybody wishing to record their WW2 story, our staff will be happy to help.
Recommended story
Story with photo