Here are some of the free children's events, activities and clubs taking place in our libraries in November – contact the libraries directly for more information or to book a place!
The Parenting Support Programme, in collaboration with Offaly Libraries, is back this year. A full programme of events can be found here.
- 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
Music Workshop - as part of the Parenting Support Programme, Music Generation Laois will deliver two Early Year's Music Workshop on Sat, 23rd Nov at 11am and 12pm. These interactive workshops will include playing musical instruments, singing musical games and percussion instruments. Suitable for ages 0-7 years. Booking essential - call or email the library directly.
Abbey Babbies Baby Book Club – every Friday morning at 10:30am. The club is currently full, but if you wish to register for the next group of session, call or email the library directly.
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
Junior Book Club - first meeting taking place on Weds, 20th Nov at 3:10pm. Suitable for ages 9-11 years. Call or email the library for more details.
Mountmellick Library – Call 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Junior Book Clubs are back 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 12th Nov at 3.30pm (2nd Tuesday of the month)
- 7-9yrs meeting on Tuesday 5th Nov at 3.30 p.m.(1st Tues of the month)
- 10-12yrs on Tuesday 5th Nov at 4.00 p.m. (1st Tues of the month)
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!
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, 14th Nov at 4pm to chat about Garfield Full Course Vol. 2 by Jim Davis, Mark Evanier and Scott Nickel. Suitable for ages 9-12 years. New members welcome!
Ultimate Football Heroes Children’s Book Club – the next meeting takes place on Weds, 13th Nov at 4pm to chat about Zidane: 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 - starting on Tues, 19th Nov at 3:30pm. Suitable for ages 5+.
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
Stay & Play - pop into the library on Tues, 12th Nov at 3:30pm for an action packed afternoon with lots of activities! Facilitated by the National Action Plan for Childminding. Suitable for ages 2-8 years. For more information and to book, call Darina on 085 1703772.
Lego Freeplay – call into the library every Saturday at 10:30am for our Lego freeplay sessions! Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
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
Portuguese Storytelling Event with LABRAS -- Join LABRAS (Laois Brazilian Support Association) at Portlaoise Library for a lively Portuguese storytelling session on Saturday, November 16th at 11am , celebrating Brazilian culture and heritage language! Suitable for children ages 3 – 8 years. Limited spots—email secretary.labras@gmail.com with your child’s name and age to register!
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!
Baby Book Club –Fortnightly, Thursday 7th Nov 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, 26th Nov 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, 28th Nov 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.
Young Adult Book Club - Thursday, 27th Nov at 4:30pm Do you like the idea of a young adult book club? A book club is a great way of discussing books and different genre’s and to share your passion for books and reading. Recommended age 13-16 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 Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm.
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!