Libraries NI Big Summer Read 2026 - County Antrim Libraries

The Libraries NI Big Summer Read runs for 66 days across the school holidays and is one of the best free things you can do with a primary-school-age child this summer. The challenge is simple: read for at least 15 minutes a day throughout July and August. The number 66 is not arbitrary - research suggests it takes 66 days to establish a lasting habit, so by the time September rolls around, the idea is that daily reading has become second nature. For families across County Antrim, with Libraries NI branches in Antrim town, Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne among others, there is a local starting point wherever you are.

What to expect

Children collect an Adventure Poster when they register at their local library and work through a set of reading prompts throughout the challenge. The 2026 theme is The Story Tree - flexible enough to let children follow their own reading interests while using the prompts as a guide. Every book counts, at every level; there is no set list and no test at the end. Along the way, participating libraries run free workshops, craft events and activities tied to the theme. Children who complete the challenge receive a certificate of achievement - something tangible to mark a whole summer of reading. Stickers and rewards collect along the way to keep younger readers motivated through the weeks. Register in person at your nearest Libraries NI branch to get started; library staff can point you to the activity timetable and any upcoming workshops at that branch.

Getting there

Antrim town is straightforward to reach by road from Belfast via the M2 and A6, roughly 25 minutes under normal traffic. Translink bus services connect Antrim to Belfast and to Ballymena, while the Antrim to Belfast rail line stops at Antrim station, a short walk or bus ride from the town centre library. Ballymena has direct rail links from Belfast Central. Car parking is available near most town-centre libraries in the county; check local signs for town-centre parking, which is generally short-stay and low-cost.

While you’re in Antrim

Antrim town sits on the north-eastern shore of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Ireland, and the Lough shore park makes an easy leg-stretch before or after a library visit. A trip to the library fits naturally into a morning out, leaving the afternoon free for the town or the lough. There is more to see in Antrim and across Co. Antrim.

Good to know

• Runs from Saturday 27 June to Monday 31 August 2026 at Libraries NI branches across County Antrim
• Free to join - register in person at your nearest Libraries NI branch
• For primary school-age children; adults can help younger readers with the prompts
• Free workshops and activities run throughout the summer at participating branches - check the timetable at librariesni.org.uk/events/
• Children who complete the challenge receive a certificate of achievement