Here are some of the free events, activities and clubs taking place in our libraries throughout May – contact the libraries directly for more information or to book a place!
Abbeyleix Library – Call 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Baby Book Club – the Abby Babbies Baby Book Club is taking a break at the moment but please contact us if you’d like to join this group! Suitable for ages 0-4 and their parents/caregivers. Come along and join in with some fun reading, rhyme and sing-along stories. Call or email the library for more details.
Junior Chess Club – the junior chess club runs every Saturday morning at 10am – join us in the library to test your logic skills and battle it out with other chess enthusiasts.
Bridge Club – the club meets every Wednesday at 12noon. New members always welcome.
Art Gallery – the gallery is hosting an exhibition by artist Kate Knowles. Kate is an oil painter inspired by the rural world. She creates paintings with rich buttery tones full of colour and depth. Her paintings will be exhibited for the month of July.
Summer Time Movies– Enjoy a selection of children’s movies at the library cinema club. Fri 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th July at 3pm. All ages welcome!
“Supergalactic” Storytime and Craft- A space themed story time followed by a super astronaut craft session. Fri 27th July at 11am-12pm. Ages 3+ Booking Essential
1 Branch 1 Book SummerStar Bookclub– Get into reading the new eco thriller for kids by Helena Duggan “The Light Thieves” this summer. Available from the branch. July/ August
Durrow Library – Call 057 8736090 or email durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Family Fun Summer Craft – Self lead parent and child (limited stock) Tues 11th July -4pm
Ready Steady Play- An introduction to musical instruments through play. Weds 12th July 2pm-3pm
Disco Girl- Summer disco in the library! Tues 18th July 2.10pm-3.10pm
Slime Workshop- Slime making workshop Weds 19th July 10am-11.30am
Irish Circle – the Irish Circle group meets in the library on Tuesdays at 6.10pm. Beidh fáilte róimh cupán tae a ól agus cúpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt nó a canadh.
Mountmellick Library – Call 057 8644572 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.i
Summer Stars: It’s that time of year again folks! The closing date for Mountmellick Library’s Summer Stars is Saturday 9th September at 2 p.m. So call in to complete your reading cards to be in for the Grand prize draws! Congratulations to all who completed the Summer Stars-we will be in touch about the certificate and medal award ceremony!
Literacy Awareness Workshop: The LOETB is hosting literacy awareness workshops to be more aware of local health services and inform yourself on managing your finances in conjunction with the HSE, MABS. They will be in Mountmellick Library on Tuesday 5th September from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30.
The Gallery in Mountmellick Library is delighted to host Navigation: a multimedia exhibition by Laois Artist Hazel Restrick from 6th to 30th September 2023 at Mountmellick Art Gallery. The exhibition will be launched on Tuesday 5th September at 6.00 p.m.-all are welcome to attend. Supported by Mountmellick Library and awarded funding under the Arts Act Grant, Laois Arts Office, Laois County Council.
Do you want to learn more about how to use your tablet, smartphone or iPad? The Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board are offering a free Staying Connected @ the Library course in Mountmellick Library! The 6 week course starts on Friday 15th September 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 0578644572 to book a place or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie.
Learn how to crochet: The LOETB is offering a free learn to crochet course in Mountmellick Library starting Wednesday 20th September 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for 6 weeks. Limited places- Call 0578644572 to book a place or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie.
Coeliac Disease and its Management: An interactive talk by Geraldine Sexton from GS Health and Nutrition in Mountmellick Library on Tuesday 12th September at 7 p.m. Call 0578644572 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie to book your place.
Adult Colouring will start back up in September in Mountmellick Library. If interested call 0578644572 or call in and leave your contact details at the desk!
Culture Night in Mountmellick Library:
On the evening of Friday 22nd September join us in Mountmellick Library for Culture Night 2023.
6.00-7.00 p.m. Join Mountmellick Comhaltas Group for an hour of traditional Irish music performed by both young and old.
6.30 p.m. onwards Navigation: A Multimedia Exhibition by Laois Artist Hazel Restrick. A captivating multimedia exhibition that delves into the artist’s quest to find her place in the world. A graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design, her work explores the profound connections between these spaces and our inherent sense of belonging. Viewing from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.
7.00-8.30 p.m. Mountmellick Arts Collective will host an evening of art, poetry, film, fiction, memoir and music in Mountmellick Library from 7 p.m. all produced by the Collective. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. The collective will launch the second issue of their arts magazine on the night.
Culture Night is brought to you by The Arts Council in partnership with Laois County Council.
Lego Free Play on Saturday mornings in Mountmellick Library from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. No need to book just drop in and create together!
Is your little one starting primary school in September? A ‘My Little Library Book Bag’ is available free for every child starting school in September 2023 to help them to prepare for this big step! So, drop into Mountmellick library and don’t forget to check out our amazing display!
Campaign against Period Poverty: As part of the campaign against period poverty free sanitary products will be available in the bathrooms of Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Abbeyleix libraries.
Mountmellick Art Collective meet on Thursday mornings in Mountmellick Library. If interested call 0578644572 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie to find out more!
Home Energy Kits: The Home Energy Saving Kit contains six practical tools to help you save energy at home and can help identify common problems such as lack of insulation, poor ventilation and the appliances in the home that might be driving up electricity bills. You can borrow the kit for a duration of 2 weeks in order to conduct a mini home energy audit. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for this item call 0578644572 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie.
Age Friendly Laois: Free to collect at Mountmellick Library:
- I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) cards to be carried on the person, in a wallet or purse to provide valuable information to emergency first responders.
- An information booklet to services for older persons in Laois
Facebook: Keep up to date with all our events in Mountmellick Library by checking in or following Laois Libraries Facebook page. The Mountmellick Library Facebook page is no longer active.
Sensory Services:
Sensory Toy Resource Collection: This service is for parents of children with additional needs who live in Co. Laois. The toys are designed to support the development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills and communication skills. To register for the service, you must have a referral letter from O.T., G.M.P., physio or other professional. For further details call 0578644572 or call into Mountmellick Library to pick up a booklet.
Sensory Room in Mountmellick Library: Following registration, this service is for the use of children and adults with additional needs with their parent/carer present. Following registration with a supply letter the room can be booked for 30 minute sessions. For further information contact Mountmellick Library at 0578644572.
Tovertafel Magic Table: The table has interactive light projection games specially designed for those with dementia, cognitive challenges, autism and learning difficulties. The projections respond to the touch of the players. Booking is essential for 30-minute slots.
Mountrath Library – Call 057 8756378 or email mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Knitting Group – the group meets every Friday morning from 11am-1pm – all skill levels welcome.
Ciorcal Comhrá – Dé hAoine 7ú Iúil ag 10 am. Bígí linn le caint agus comhrá as Gaeilge agus cupán tae. Fáilte roimh bhaill nua!
Junior Book Club – The Junior Graphic Novel Book Club will next meet on Wednesday, 5th at 4pm-4:45pm to discuss Minecraft Vol. 2 and then on Wednesday, 26th at 4pm-4:45pm to discuss Another Kind. Suitable for ages 9-12 years old. New members welcome! Call or email the library for more information.
Magnetic Tiles Play– Encourage STEAM learning and creativity by fostering imagination and learning through unstructured play. Tues in July/Aug 2.15pm-3pm and 3.15pm-4pm. All Ages Booking Essential
Lego Freeplay– Get creative and let your imagination go wild with our weekly Lego Freeplay sessions. Thurs in July and August. All ages. Booking Essential
Parent & Child Craft Table– Create your own cheeky chameleon! Friday 7th July 2.30pm – 4.30pm. All Ages.
Pokémon Scavenger Hunt– How well do you know your Bulbasaur from you Charmander? Can you find the hidden ‘Pokemon’ alphabet characters ? Tues 11th – Sat 15th July. All Ages
Slime Workshop– Fun, sensory, super stretchy slime activity. Personalise your creations with colour and glitter. Thurs 20th July 11.30am-12.30pm. Booking Essential
Cartoon Drawing Workshop– Learn how to draw cartoon characters with Jarlas Doodling Academy. Fri 21st July 10.15am-11.30am. Ages 7-13. Booking Essential
An Invitation to Play– These are fun, unstructured play sessions where children can follow their own instincts, ideas and interests to develop their Imaginations. Weds. 26th July, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-3pm. For ages 3-8. Booking Essential
Parent & Child Craft Table. Astronaut themed craft table. Sat 29th July 10.30am-12.30pm.
All Ages. Booking Essential
Knitting Group – the group meets every Friday morning from 11am-1pm – all skill levels welcome. Light refreshments provided!
Magnetic Tiles Play Session – pop into the library on Saturdays from 10am-1pm for a Magnetic Tiles play session. No booking needed!
Portarlington Library – Call 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Family Fun Craft Table- Our parent and child craft table will be up and running in Portarlington Library on Wednesday July 12th 10am -1pm (or while stocks last) Pop in and have some fun making a lovely Rainbow Fish together. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tell me a Story- Family library story time in Portarlington Library on Thursday 20th July 11-11:45am.
Summer Treasure Hunt- Pop in to Portarlington Library throughout the month of July and take part in our Summer Treasure Hunt. Solve the puzzle and win a small prize.
Craft Packs- Pop in and pick up a craft pack to take home throughout the month of July
Portarlington Library Book Club- Next meeting is on Tuesday June 25th at 11am . We will be discussing I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh.
Portarlington Junior Book Club- The Junior Book Club is taking a break for the summer. If you are interested in taking part in September contact us and we will place your name on the waiting list call 057 8643751 or email portarlingonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Baby Book Club- Baby Book Club is taking a break for the summer . If you are interested in booking a place for September call 057 8643751 or email portarlingonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Knitting Club- Meets every Friday morning 10:30am-12:30 . All skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome!
Sensory Toy Resource Collection – a service for parents of children with additional needs who live in Co. Laois. The toys are designed to support the development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills and communication skills. Take a look at the resource booklet here.
Home Energy Kits: The Home Energy Saving Kit contains six practical tools to help you save energy at home and can help identify common problems such as lack of insulation, poor ventilation and the appliances in the home that might be driving up electricity bills. You can borrow the kit for a duration of 2 weeks in order to conduct a mini home energy audit. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for this item call 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Portlaoise Library – Call 05786 22333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Rathdowney Library – Call 0505 46852 or email rathdowneylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Treasure hunt– Treasure Hunt within the library. July/August. All Ages
Lego Free Play – Get creative with our Lego Free Play table. July/August.All Ages
Junior Chess Club – the chess club for ages 9-13 years takes place in the library on Thursday evenings from 7pm-8pm. Call or email the library for more details.
Sewing Club – the sewing club meets on Monday evenings from 7pm-8pm. Call or email the library for more details.
Sensory Toy Resource Collection – a service for parents of children with additional needs who live in Co. Laois. The toys are designed to support the development of gross motor skills, fine motor skills and communication skills. Take a look at the resource booklet here.
Stradbally Library – Call 057 8641673 or email stradballylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Knitting & Crochet Club – the club meets every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm. All levels are welcome.
Chess/Board Game Club – taking place every Thursday night from 6:45pm-8pm. All welcome. Adult volunteers needed! Call or email the library for more details.
Saturday Lego Club – every Saturday morning from 10:15am-11:15am. For ages 5+. Booking essential.
Wednesday Lego Club – every Wednesday afternoon from 3:15pm-4:15pm. For ages 5+. Booking essential.