March 2026
This month we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, SnaG, as well as our usual book clubs, storytimes, crafts, and more. Read on for more details, or visit westmeath.spydus.ie for all our events
St. Patrick’s Day events
Kinnegad Library St. Patrick's Day Art Competition runs until 14 Mar 2026 - 10:00 AM
Be part of the St. Patrick’s Day fun at Kinnegad Library🍀 Children aged 6–12 years are invited to create a St. Patrick’s Day–themed artwork for display in Kinnegad Library’s windows as part of Kinnegad parish’s St. Patricks Day parade. Drop your entry in before Saturday the 14th—prizes for each age group! Remember to add your name, age, and contact details. Best of luck!!
St Patrick’s Day Monster Doodle in Kilbeggan Library 11 Mar 2026 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Calling all young artists!! We need you to help us to decorate the big window in Kilbeggan for St Patrick’s day, she’s currently looking a bit bare and wants to look her best in time for the big day.
Suitable for children aged 3-12 No booking required
Make a Leprechaun Bookmark in Castlepollard Library - 12 Mar 2026 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Get ready for St Patrick's Day by joining us in Castlepollard Library where we'll be showing you how to make a leprechaun bookmark! This fun crafting activity will take place on Thursday, 12th March from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Places are limited, so be sure to book your spot now! Please note that all children are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Event is booked out
St Patrick’s Day Arts and Crafts in Mullingar Library - 12 Mar 2026 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Join us in Mullingar Library on Thursday March 12th at 3:30pm for some St. Patrick's Day arts and crafts! Suitable for age 5 - 9 years. Booking is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is booked out
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Ciorcal Comhrá - Conversation Circle As Gaeilge - Castlepollard Library
10 Mar 2026 - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Bígí linn i leabharlann Bhaile Na gCrós do Sheachtain na Gaeilge nuair a bheidh Ciorcal Comhrá Gaeilge ar siúl againn Dé Máirt, 10ú Márta, ó 16:00 go 17:00. Tar isteach le haghaidh comhrá spraíúil, neamhfhoirmiúil agus glac an deis do chúpla focal a chleachtadh. Tá fáilte mhór roimh chách!
Join us in Castlepollard library for Seachtain Na Gaeilge when we will be holding an Irish Conversation group on Tuesday, March 10, from 16:00 to 17:00. Come along for a fun, informal chat and take the opportunity to practice some spoken Irish whatever your level. Everyone is welcome!
Irish Conversation Circle - Lá na gCiorcal - Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone
11 Mar 2026 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Athlone’s Pop-up Gaeltacht will host an Irish language conversation circle to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge in Athlone Library.
All are welcome for an informal meet up and chat over a cuppa.
Scéalaíocht agus Dathú - Mullingar Library - 13 Mar 2026 - 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Bígí linn le haghaidh scéalaíochta as Gaeilge agus dathúcháin i Leabharlann an Mhuilinn Chearr chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Oiriúnach do pháistí 4–7 mbliana d’aois. Áirithint riachtanach.
Baby & Toddler groups & storytimes
Moate Baby & Toddler group meets for storytimes and chats every Tuesday at 10am. No need to book, just drop in and say hi.
Castlepollard Library is pleased to announce its Parent & Toddler Group will be meeting again every Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. If you and your child would like to join for a morning of playtime and stories, please get in touch to book your place. Please note that places will be limited to seven toddlers a session and that you will need to book your spot week-by-week.
Astronomy Week
Build your own Straw Rocket in Castlepollard Library on 26 Mar 2026 - 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Help us celebrate Astronomy Week 2026 in Castlepollard Library! We'll be showing you how to build your very own straw-powered rocket using simple crafting materials. Places will be limited, so be sure to book yours as soon as possible! For ages 6 - 12. Please note that children under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Crafting & Art
The Knit and Natter group meet every Monday in Moate Library. Drop in between 10.30am and 12.30pm. No booking needed.
The M4 Women’s group meets in Castlepollard Library for knitting and chat. Every Tuesday at 10.30am
Castlepollard Art Group meets every Wednesday from 10.30 am. If you are interested please contact Deirdre Clogher on 086 0527171
Come to Kilbeggan library every Wednesday at 2pm to knit, crochet, scrapbook or create whatever it is you fancy! All welcome and no need to book in advance, just show up and enjoy the company of others while you work on your masterpieces.
Do you like to knit or crochet? The knit and natter group meet in Moate Library every Monday morning from 10.30am. New members are always welcome. Why not pop in?
Advice on your Device
Moate Library - every Tuesday 11am - 12noon
Athlone, Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, and Mullingar Libraries - every Wednesday 10am - 12noon
Need some advice on your device? Library staff are happy to help you find out about all our online resources. This includes ebooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers, magazines, online learning and more. Drop into your local library and find out how to get started.
Book Clubs
Silent Book Club - Mullingar Library -10th & 24th March at 7pm
We have started a Silent Book Club. Come along and read a book of your choice in companionable silence!
Schedule reading time into your busy week. Make a commitment and watch it become a habit, then second nature. Read what you like, lower your blood pressure and join like-minded people in the quietest club in town!
Castlepollard Library Adult Book Club - 19 Mar 2026 - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The next meeting of the Castlepollard Library Adult Book Club will take place on Thursday, 19th March at 6:30 pm when the group will be discussing "A Town Called Solace" by Mary Lawson
Write Club
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone
19 & 24th Mar 2026 - 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Join our After School Write Club! If you have a young, budding writer in your life, send them down to Athlone Library for these weekly creative sessions as part of the John Broderick Programme.
Whatever they are working on, this club will be a quiet space to get advice on their writing from bestselling novelist Catherine Prasifka.
This is a drop in space, no booking is required but it is advised to get down as early as possible to secure a spot.
Writing in Conversation
Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone
Francesca Bratan - 19 Mar 2026 - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Jessica Traynor - 24 Mar 2026 - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
We are kicking off literary events in Athlone once again this year as part of the John Broderick Programme.
Head down to Athlone Library over 4 weeks this march for Writing in Conversation, with Catherine Prasifka, Francesca Bratton, Jessica Traynor and Rosemary Hennigan.
Alternating between workshops and Q&A sessions, participants will have a chance to learn from some of the best writers in Ireland today.
Every writer is different, and every writer approaches writing differently: from their style, to their routine, to their publishing journey. This workshop series puts you in touch with writers across various genres, so you can hear their stories for yourself. Alternating between workshops and Q&A sessions, participants will have a chance to work on their own writing, complete exercises, and learn from some of the best writers working in Ireland today.
Learn more about the guest writers on the Arts office event page.
Kinnegad Library Creative Writing Class
28 Mar 2026 - 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Step out of the chaos and step into the calm of Kinnegad Library with author Lorraine Murphy as she guides you through an Ease into Easter creative writing workshop for adults, regardless of experience.
In this hour you will easily tap into your natural storytelling talent, learn tricks to help your writing flow, and leave with the tools to continue your practice in everyday life. Bring a notebook, pen and a hot drink. This hour is all about you.