Belfast Central Library

The decorative wrought iron, tile, and wood bookcases in
the Belfast Central Library

Opened in 1881, the Belfast Central Library is constructed of red sandstone and stands majestically as a symbol of an important city of the industrial revolution. It is located on Royal Avenue and is adjacent to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper building. The library survived the Belfast Blitz during the Second World War and the Troubles, without any damage.

Situated around the library today are copies of historic posters that advertised interesting and topical lectures from the city’s past. For example, a notice telling patrons that the library would close at dusk during the Easter Rising in April 1916. Another poster advertised a lecture by Francis J. Bigger on, “Ireland in Peace: Her Art and Industries (illustrated by lantern views)” on 14 February 1912.

A display on trademarks in the lobby offered the motto of Arthur Guinness, founder of the famous brewery: “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can,” which happened to be the motto of John Wesley as well.