We are delighted to host a range of wonderful events in our libraries to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival this year! Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. The festival is run by Age & Opportunity and was established in 1995 as the world’s first national celebration of creativity in older age! Take a look at some of the events in our branches, running throughout the month of May. Visit bealtaine.ie for more information about what’s happening across Ireland.
Mindful Movement – Fiona from the LOETB will deliver a set of classes: Mindful Movement – Lust for Life in Abbeyleix Library every Tuesday in May from 11am-1pm and in Mountmellick Library every Friday in May from 11am-1pm. The classes will explore the areas of Relaxation, Mindfulness, Music, Meditation, Celtic Traditions and Spirituality. Booking is essential – contact Abbeyleix Library on 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie or Mountmellick Library on 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie to book a place.
Cookery Demonstrations – a number of libraries are hosting cookery demonstrations with the LOETB, guaranteed to tickle your taste buds with some delicious recipes and treats! Contact the libraries directly to book your place.
- Portlaoise Library – Thurs, 2nd May from 11am-1pm. Call 057 8622333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- Portarlington Library – Weds, 22nd May from 3:30pm-5:30pm. Call 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- Mountmellick Library – Tues, 14th May from 5pm-7pm. Call 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- Abbeyleix Library – Thurs, 9th May from 10am-12pm. Call 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- Mountrath Library – Thurs, 16th May from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Call 057 8756378 or email mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Adult Art Classes – a new 5-week art course with the LOETB will start in Portlaoise Library on Fri, 3rd May from 2pm-4pm. Call 057 8622333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie to book a place.
Money Management Talk – Portlaoise Library will host a talk with MABS on Weds, 8th May at 11:30am. Get tips and advice on money management, good saving and spending habits, sources of credit and avoiding over-indebtedness. Call 057 8622333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more info.
Activator Poles Talk – Portlaoise Library are hosting a strengthening class on Tues, 14th May at 11am. Walking poles can reduce stress and impact on your knees, hips and ankles, to relieve pain from arthritis, muscle strains and ligament sprains. Call 057 8622333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more info.
Chair Yoga – visit Portlaoise Library every Thursday in May at 11am for chair yoga classes. Find mobility in a way that is soft and gentle but also supportive and beneficial. Call 057 8622333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie to book a space.
Singing for the Brain – everyone is welcome to join us for a singalong in Portlaoise Library on Thurs, 23rd May at 11:30am. We will be accompanied by musicians from the Men’s Shed Portlaoise. Singing for the Brain brings people affected by Alzheimers/Dementia together to sing a variety of songs they know and love.
Illuminating Laois – visit Mountmellick Library on Thurs, 16th May at 3pm for a talk with Dr. Christy Cunniffe on the stained glass of the wider Midlands region by practitioners such as Harry Clarke, An Túr Gloine and others. Call the library on 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more details.
Bridge Classes – a new round of Bridge Classes with Paddy will start in Abbeyleix Library on Weds, 1st May from 11am-1pm. Places are limited so booking essential – call 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Basket Making Demonstration – Mountrath Library is hosting Willow Woman, Helen Golden, on Tues, 7th May at 10am for a demonstration showcasing the art of willow weaving. Experience the rich tradition of Irish basket making and explore the history and significance of this ancient craft. Booking essential – call 057 8756378 or email mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Puzzle Club – visit Portarlington Library every Tuesday morning in May from 10:30am-12:30pm for a jigsaw morning and a cuppa – all welcome!
Age Friendly Quiet Time – Portlaoise Library staff will observe a quiet time each Wednesday in May from 10am-11:30am to make the library a more inclusive and comfortable space for you to enjoy your library experience!
Local Community Groups Info Stands – a number of different local community groups will have information stands in Portlaoise Library throughout May, including:
- Women’s Shed Portlaoise on Tues, 7th May from 10am-3pm and Tues, 4th Jun from 10am-3pm
- Men’s Shed Portlaoise on Tues, 14th May from 10am-3pm
- Active Retirement Group on Tues, 21st May from 10am-3pm
- Tidy Towns on Tues, 28th May from 10am-3pm