December in Westmeath Libraries
All the news and events from your local library this festive season, from Family Time at Your Library to Eco Workshops, from Storytimes to Crafts, read on for more information.
Christmas Opening Hours
All Westmeath Libraries will close at 4pm on Friday, 22nd December and reopen at 9.40am on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024.
My Open Library will be available to registered members in Castlepollard, Moate, and Mullingar Libraries. Call in and talk to a member of staff if you’d like to learn more about becoming a member of MOL.
Our online resources will be available over the holidays, for details on our ebooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and online classes please see our website at https://westmeathculture.ie/library/library-online/
We would like to wish all our borrowers and library users a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Family Time at Your Library is taking place in Westmeath Libraries this December.
This national initiative will include family friendly events and activities aimed at supporting the whole family’s involvement in reading and visiting the library.
Ready, Steady Play will be hosting sensory play and music classes using musical instruments and other props to encourage learning and physical development through play and music. Suitable for ages 5 years and under. Space is limited so remember to book in advance.
Kilbeggan Library - 2nd December at 10.30am [click here to book]
Moate Library - 9th December at 10am [click here to book]
Athlone Library - 9th December at 11.45am [click here to book]
Castlepollard Library - 19th December at 1.30pm [click here to book]
Mullingar Library - 19th December at 3pm [click here to book]
Why not join us and Eoghan Burke for some storytelling for the whole family
1st Dec in Kilbeggan – 2pm [click here to book]
1st Dec in Mullingar – 3.30pm [click here to book]
2nd Dec in Athlone -11.30am [click here to book]
14th Dec in Moate – 3pm [click here to book]
Other Family Time at the Library events include:
Christmas Storytime & Colouring in Moate Library 2nd Dec at 11am - All welcome.
Toddler storytime & Rhyme in Athlone Library 9th Dec at 11am - Booking essential
Christmas Arts & Crafts hour in Mullingar Library 14th Dec at 3.30pm - Booking essential
Christmas Movie in Castlepollard Library on 14th December at 3.30pm, in Moate Library 16th Dec at 11am and in Mullingar Library on 21st December at 3.30pm. Contact the library for full details.
Castlepollard Library presents A Christmas Carol storytime on 18th December at 4pm. All welcome.
And we are adding more events all the time, so remember to keep up to date by visiting our events page (click here).
Teen Advisory Board
Teenagers! We want to know what you would love to see in your local library, the books you want to read, the events you want to hold. The library belongs to you, so we want to include your views and options.
The first meeting of our Teen Board takes place in Mullingar Library 4th December at 4.15pm. Drop in and make your voice heard.
EcoBites workshop
Westmeath Libraries are delighted to bring The Sustainable Life School for a virtual visit to Westmeath. The Sustainable Life School is here to create happier lives for a happier planet. Their mission to help, motivate and inspire those who want to live more sustainably and empower those who care about the climate crisis to take action through lifestyle changes and joining others to create collective climate action.
This event takes place online on 12th December at 7pm - Click here to register.
Exhibitions this December
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone from 14th Nov to 5th December - Yeats Nobel Prize Centenary
Castlepollard Library from 22nd Nov to 6th December - The Place in a Case
Mullingar Library from 4th to 15th December - Lisa Cusack
Castlepollard Library from 11th to 18th December - Castlepollard Art Group
Mullingar Library from 18th Dec to 8th January - Bernadette Walsh
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone from 19th Dec to 8th January - The Bridges of Athlone
Breastfeeding meet-up
Join us in Mullingar Library every Friday from 11am to 12noon for a breastfeeding support group, led by a local Public Health Nurse. Contact Colleen on 0862540950 for more details.
Interested in Crafts? Why not come along to one of our regular meet-ups in your local library.
Moate Library - Knit & Natter meet every Monday at 10am. No need to book, all welcome.
Kilbeggan Library - Knitting and Crochet group meet every Monday at 11am. No need to book, all welcome.
Castlepollard Library - M4 Women’s Group meet every Thursday at 10.30am. No need to book, all welcome.
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone - Knitting & Crochet social group meet on 12th December at 10.30am. No need to book, all welcome.
If there is no group that suits you why not contact the library and start your own.
Contact your local library:
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone - Tel : 090 6442157 email : athlib@westmeathcoco.ie
Castlepollard Library - Tel : 044 9332199 Email: cpdlib@westmeathcoco.ie
Kilbeggan Library - Tel : 057 9333148 Email killib@westmeathcoco.ie
Moate Library - Tel : 090 6481888 Email : moatelib@westmeathcoco.ie
Mullingar Library - Tel : 044 9332161 Email : mgarlib@westmeathcoco.ie