Parent and Toddler Groups Support

Public libraries run or host groups where young children can meet, play and listen to stories and parents and guardians can compare notes on parenting and early childhood issues.

Laois Libraries run many groups where young children can meet, play and listen to stories and parents and guardians can compare notes on parenting and early childhood issues. 

Baby book club

Four of our branches run Baby Book Clubs each week or fortnight. 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. 

  • Portlaoise Library Baby Book Club takes place fortnightly on Thursday mornings at 10:30am. 
  • Portarlington Library Baby Book Club takes place weekly on Wednesday mornings at 10:30am. 
  • Mountmellick Library Baby Book Club takes place weekly on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am. 
  • Abbeyleix Library Baby Book Club takes place weekly on Friday mornings at 10:30am. 

Open play

Mountrath Library hosts an open play session for babies and toddlers every Wednesday morning 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. 

Parenting support programme

Laois Libraries also runs a Parenting Support Programme of talks and workshops in collaboration with Offaly Libraries from September to December. These workshops cater to a range of different ages, including babies/toddlers. Browse the Parenting Support Programme Brochure.

Library contact details

Further information

For further information, email library@laoiscoco.ie or call 057 8689338.