Every April libraries throughout Ireland celebrate Spring Into Storytime. Part of our national Right To Read initiative, Spring Into Storytime encourages a love of reading and books, and is aimed at children throughout the country. A celebration of families, and of coming together around a good story, this is the perfect opportunity to share your favourite books.
Westmeath Libraries will be hosting events throughout April, so stay tuned for more details. We will also share reading recommendations and some of our favourite story time reads. And we hope to hear from you too, so let us know what great books you have been enjoying.
4th April - Castlepollard Library Craft & Storytime at 2.30pm
Book Here5th April - Castlepollard Library Toddler storytime & Singalong at 10am
No booking needed - all welcome5th April - Mullingar Library Storytime and Monster Doodle at 12noon
Book Here5th April - Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone Crafternoon at 3.30pm
Book Here6th April - Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone Children’s Book Clinic with Lorna at 2.30pm
Booking not required - all welcomeEvery Friday - Kilbeggan Library Under 12s Book Club at 3pm
Booking not required19th April - Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone Teddy Bear’s Sleepover at 4pm
Book HereEvery Friday Mullingar Library Baby Book Club and Toddler storytime at 10am.
Booking not required - all welcome
More events are being added all the time, you’ll find them all on our events page, or contact your local library for details.
Barnardos Parent/Guardian Wellbeing Programme
Barnardos project will be facilitating a 6 week wellbeing programme for parents/guardians in the Aidan Heavey Library Athlone. Every Wednesday for 6 weeks starting on Wednesday 10th April from 10 - 11am. Together we will do some gentle breathing and movement to improve our sleep, reduce stress and make us feel calm and relaxed.
Tea and coffee provided. To sign up contact Barnardos Wellbeing Worker Sinéad by phone/Whatsapp on 0861036156.
Did you know that in Ireland around 68,000 tonnes of textiles are discarded every year. Instead of adding to that pile, why not donate your children's fancy dress costumes to our Costume Carousel? The Aidan Heavey Library in Athlone and Moate Library are on board and ready to accept your donations, clean and in good condition please.
Your unwanted costumes could bring joy to other kids at dress-up storytimes and events in the library. They’ll also be available to borrow and take home. Give those costumes a chance to shine again on the carousel and help the environment at the same time.
Join a Book Club
Have you ever wanted to join a book club? To chat with other people about the books you’re enjoying, and what to avoid? Why not join one of the book clubs that meet in Westmeath Libraries:
Under 12s Book Club - Kilbeggan Library, meets every Friday at 3.10pm
Children’s Book Club - Mullingar Library - 3rd April at 3.30pm
Athlone Adult Book Club - Aidan Heavey Library - 4th April at 6.30pm
Moate Adult Book Club - Moate Library - 24th April at 11am
Science Fiction Book Club - Kilbeggan Library - 25th April at 6.30pm
Mullingar Book Club - Mullingar Library - 25th April at 6.30pm
Castlepollard Book Club - Castlepollard Library - 25th April at 6.30pm
Moate Beginner’s Book Club - Moate Library - 25th April at 11am
Group Meetings
Westmeath Libraries are delighted to be able to host a range of local groups and communities in our libraries.
Some of the groups that meet regularly in our libraries include
M4 Womens’ Group in Castlepollard Library
Bridge group in Kilbeggan Library
Knitting & Crafting groups in all our libraries
Alzheimer’s Support Groups in Athlone & Mullingar
LWETB English Language classes in Castlepollard Library
Warhammer in the Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone
Check out our website for full details or chat to any member of staff.
Past Perspectives
Our newest podcast focuses on the history and stories of Westmeath as we chat with local historians. We learn how they developed an interest in local history, what it means to them, and uncover a few hidden gems along the way. You can find Past Perspectives wherever you get your podcasts, or listen online at https://pastperspectives.transistor.fm/
Westmeath Libraries Development Plan 2024-2028
We are delighted to announce the publication of our Development Plan. This sets our role as a focal point for the educational, cultural and community development of the county. This plan was developed following a review of our services and in response to public consultation. It is a plan which puts community at the heart of the service with a focus on culture, creativity and collaboration. Download a copy of the Library Development Plan from our website.