Here are some of the free children's events, activities and clubs taking place in our libraries in February – contact the libraries directly for more information or to book a place!
- Abbeyleix Library
- Durrow Library
- Mountmellick Library
- Mountrath Library
- Portarlington Library
- Portlaoise Library
- Rathdowney Library
- Stradbally Library
Abbeyleix Library – Call 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Ireland Reads - celebrate Ireland Reads Day on Sat, 22nd Feb with Ellen Ryan, author of Girls who Slay Monsters, at 12pm. Stories from Irish myths are reimagined into goddesses who wield their magic and fight monsters to protect the powerless! Suitable for ages 8+. Booking essential. Call or email the library directly to book a place.
Abbey Babbies Baby Book Club – every Friday morning at 10:30am. Contact 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.
Durrow Library – Call 057 8736090 or email durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Lego Freeplay - will be available in the library on Weds, 19th Feb from 2pm-4pm.
Junior Book Club - next meeting on Weds, 26th Feb at 3:10pm. New members welcome! Call or email the library for more details.
Mountmellick Library – Call 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Junior Book Clubs are running with a book club for all ages. Call 0578689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- Baby Book Club takes place on Thursday mornings at 10:30am.
- 4-6yrs meeting Tues, 11th Feb at 3.30pm (2nd Tuesday of the month)
- 7-9yrs meeting on Tues, 4th Feb at 3.30 p.m.(1st Tues of the month)
- 10-12yrs on Tues, 4th Feb at 4.00 p.m. (1st Tues of the month)
Indoor Sensory Morning - a sensory play morning will take place on Weds, 26th Feb at 10am. Places are limited so booking is essential. Call or email the library directly to book.
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 to meet and create together!
Ireland Reads Day - artist Caroline Keane will host a children's art event in the library to celebrate Ireland Reads Day, with details to be confirmed. Keep an eye on library social media pages for updates or call/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.
Sensory Room at Mountmellick Library – This service is for use by children and adults with additional needs along with their parent/carer. Following registration with a supply letter, the room can be booked for 30-minute slots. Contact the library for more details.
Mountrath Library – Call 057 8756378 or email mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Junior Graphic Novel Book Club – the next meeting will take place on Thurs, 13th Feb at 4pm to chat about Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Suitable for ages 9-12 years. New members welcome!
Ultimate Football Heroes Children’s Book Club – the next meeting takes place on Weds, 12th Feb at 4pm to chat about Maradona: From the Playground to the Pitch from The Ultimate Football Heroes series of soccer books by Matt & Tom Oldfield. Contact the library for further details.
STEM Play - takes place every Tuesday at 3:30pm. Discover science, technology, engineering and maths through the weekly STEM play hour. Suitable for ages 5+. Booking essential. Call or email the library directly for more information.
Parent, Baby & Toddler Play – an open play session for babies and toddlers takes place every Wednesday morning in the library from 10am-11:30am. Creative toys are placed in a circle on the floor to encourage children to socialise under the supervision of parents/guardians. Tea/coffee available. Call or email the library for more information.
Portarlington Library – Call 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
St. Brigid's Day - celebrate St. Brigid's Day by helping us decorate the St. Brigid's Cloak. Drop into the library and add to the collage or decorate your own picture. Available from 29th Jan - 5th Feb.
Valentine's Day Craft - pop into the library and make a Valentine's card for someone you care about. The craft table will be available from 2:30pm-5pm on Fri, 14th Feb.
Valentine's Storytime - join us for a special Valentine's theme storytime on Fri, 14th Feb at 3:30pm.
Dogman Treasure Hunt - keep busy during the mid-term break with the Dogman Treasure Hunt in the library and win a small prize. Available Tues, 18th - Sat, 22nd Feb.
Ireland Reads Day - celebrate Ireland Reads and join us for a storytime on Fri, 21st Feb at 3:30pm. A special craft table will also be available from 2:30pm to design your own bookmark.
Lego Free Play - available every Saturday from 10am-1pm.
Baby Book Club – the Baby Book Club meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am. Places are limited, so call or email the library for more details.
Junior Book Club – takes place on the last Wednesday of the month, suitable for ages 9-12 years. Places are limited, so 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.
Portlaoise Library – Call 05786 22333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Tales & Adventures Storytime – a weekly children’s storytime takes place every Wednesday at 4:00pm. Suitable for ages 3-8 years. No booking needed!
Lego Freeplay – children’s Lego freeplay sessions take place every Saturday from 11:00am-1:00pm (except Bank Holiday weekends). All welcome!
Portuguese Storytelling - join LABRAS (Laois Brazilian Support Association) for a lively Portuguese storytelling session on Sat, 8th Feb at 11am, to celebrate Brazilian culture and heritage. Suitable for ages 3-8 years. Places are limited - email secretary.labras@gmail.com to register your place.
Pokémon Hour - calling all Pokémon fans! Join us on Sat, 15th Feb at 11am for a fun-filled Pokémon hour. Show of your trading cards, enjoy Pokémon activities or chat about your favourite Pokémon. Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Register here.
Ireland Reads Storytime - celebrate Ireland Reads Day with a special storytime event on Sat, 22nd Feb at 11:30am. Dress up as your favourite storybook character! Suitable for ages 3-7 years. Register here.
Baby Book Club –Fortnightly, Thursday 30th Jan and Thurs, 13th Feb at 10:30am. The baby book club uses songs, stories, books, and rhymes to build a foundation to literacy in your baby and toddler through sound awareness for ages 0-3 years. All are welcome.
Radioactive Readers Book Club 7-9 years -Tuesday, 25th Feb at 4:00pm. Join us at the library for a new interactive book club where you will discuss a different book and followed by a craft. Recommended age 7-9 years, booking advised.
Tweens Book Club 10-12 years -Thursday, 27th Feb at 4:00pm. Join us at the library for a new tweens club where you will get the chance to discuss books and books you would like to read. Recommended age 10-12 years, booking advised.
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.
Rathdowney Library – Call 0505 46852 or email rathdowneylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Children's Chess Club - meets every Friday afternoon at 4pm.
Lego Freeplay - available in the library during opening hours.
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.
Stradbally Library – Call 057 8641673 or email stradballylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Lego for Kids – pop into the library on Saturdays at 11am for Super Saturday Lego Club!