Our August 2026 newsletter rounds up Summer Stars reading, Little Library Book Bags for new school-starters, an Odyssey-themed reading dive, RPG rule books, and staff picks — all free at your local library. You can find it at canva.link/ga2vji7bxxsn...
Westmeath Libraries
@westmeathlibraries.bsky.social
A public library in the Irish midlands, we have branches in Athlone, Mullingar, Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, & Moate. www.westmeathculture.ie/library
This weekend is a Bank Holiday weekend, so all Westmeath Libraries will be closed Sat - Mon. Reopening as usual on Tuesday. We are also upgrading some computer systems on Monday which means online services will be unavailable, this includes MOL.
Looking forward to working with you!
We're delighted to welcome @westmeathlibraries.bsky.social as the newest member of DRI! 🎉 Preserving centuries of Westmeath's history from Grand Juries to prison caricatures, their collections will be an invaluable resource for both researchers and the public. Find out more: dri.ie/news/new-dri...
We are delighted to sponsor the LAI Author/Illustrator of the Year Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026! Check the criteria and nominate your favourites at https://ow.ly/HsC850ZqIPJ. #APIBA
We've been inspired by Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey to take a look at some adaptations, retellings, and translations of Homer's classic myth on our blog https://f.mtr.cool/itkcomyqrm #reading
UCD Archive & Records Management MA students Kat Guiry & Lydia Flanagan put coursework into practice preparing @bealoideasucd.bsky.social for a big move. Read about their experiences at ucdculturalheritagecollections.com/2026/07/16/i... Thank you @heritagecouncil.ie for this internship funding!
Coming up soon in Westmeath Libraries : Looking for something to do over the next few weeks, here are some highlights of upcoming events in our libraries Chair Yoga 30 Jun 2026 - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone Booking is essential : westmeath.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spyd...
Chair Yoga | Westmeath Libraries
Join us in Athlone Library for chair yoga. It is an excellent, low-impact way to improve flexibility, build muscle strength, reduce joint strain and relieve stress. This session will take place o...
westmeath.spydus.ie
It is another hot day out there today, with the High Temperature warning for Ireland now extended until Saturday. Does the heat make you look for a "summer read"? Or do you prefer to read about cold climates to try and stay cool? #reading #summerreading
Sad news indeed. I remember coming across a cartoon version of "Dragon's Blood" years and years ago. Never seen it since but it has stuck with me. Also read plenty of her books over the years. Might be time to revisit some
Sad news: Jane Yolen, prolific author of books for children and adults, has died at age 87
Móra na maidine daoibh, seo iad na himeachtaí atá ar siúl inniu, 12 Meitheamh 2026 Baby Book Club and Toddler Group 10- 11AM Mullingar Library Breastfeeding meet-up 11-12PM Mullingar Library Children's Chess 3:30- 4:30PM Kilbeggan Library *booking required* See westmeath.spydus.ie for more
westmeath.spydus.ie
Just finished #reading Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Really enjoyed most of it, but not sure about the ending. I'm sure it'll generate a good discussion for a book club though westmeathculture.ie/library-blog... #booksky
Mullingar Library held its first meeting of the Ulysses Book Club on the 5th May. They will be meeting every week, Tuesdays at 12.30 for 1 hour. If you are interested in joining the group please email mgarlib@westmeathcoco.ie as space is limited. #spéirgorm #reading
What are you reading today? I've just downloaded James by Percival Everett, a bit behind the times I know :) but there are so many books that it is hard to find the time for them all. #booksky #spéirghorm
Registration for #LAICILIP2026 is OPEN! We are thrilled to share this message from our Keynote Speaker, Sam Helmick (ALA President), on the importance of this year's theme. Secure your tickets: https://LAI-CILIP-2026.eventbrite.ie 🔗 More information: www.conference.libraryassociation.ie/
If you have can visit your local library you can probably do some investigations of your own, we offer free access to the Irish Newspaper Archive and the British Newspaper archives.
Some contemporary news coverage of the Choctaw Nation's Gift from 1847. The last piece mentions another donation from the slaves on a plantation somewhere south of the Mason Dixon line.
Castlepollard Book Club meet on 19th March (this Thursday) at 6.30pm. They are reading Mary Lawson's A Town Called Solace. New members always welcome, just drop in and say hi
Did you know that we have a #podcast? In the latest episode Colm, Rory, and Sarah chat about what's happening in your local Westmeath library, have a listen at share.transistor.fm/s/894eea2c
February 2026 | The Westmeath Libraries podcast | Episode 45
Colm, Sarah and Rory chat about another busy month in Westmeath Libraries.From Fighting Words to visits from the Argentinian Amabassador, you never know what you'll come across in your local library....
share.transistor.fm
@childrensbooksireland.ie has joined with The O’Brien Press to give the opportunity for a young reader’s artwork to be featured on the cover of a book! Visit our website and find out how Alan Nolan’s exciting adventure ‘Conor’s Caveman’ can be reimagined! @alnolan.bsky.social
Did you know that 93% of adults in Ireland engage in some form of reading regularly? But many people want to read more, and #IrelandReads is the perfect opportunity to pick up a good book. There will be events in libraries across the country, so #dropin and see what's on near you #spéirgorm
This Saturday, 28th February, is Ireland Reads day. What will you be #reading? And will you be visiting your local library? We'd love to see you in any of our 6 libraries in Westmeath
Staff #reads: Address Unknown by Kressman Taylor Westmeath Libraries staff say "a fantastic read - everyone should read this. It is a short book. You'd almost miss it on the shelves, but do yourself a favour and pick it up. You won't regret it" westmeathculture.ie/library-blog... #books #reading
Do you have any #reading plans for the weekend? It's a dull & rainy Friday here in Mullingar, perfect for books. I'm thinking of starting What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher, the third in her Sworn Soldier series.
This month our Sci-Fi bookclub in Kilbeggan Library are reading/listening to Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary. Have you read it? What did you think? I listened to the eAudio last year and thought it was a good fun read. Looking forward to the film adaptation and seeing how certain elements develop
Happy Little Christmas, Old Christmas, or Nollaig na mBán. What are you #reading? I have just finished Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher, which I really enjoyed, & I'll never think of road-runners in the same way :) You can request a copy at librariesireland.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spyd... #booksky
I'm a little behind out latest #bookclub read. As part of the Coffee & Clasics group I've started the Iliad, we're reading one book a week in Mullingar Library, Wednesday at 12.30pm. Up to book 4 now.
I am still working my way through Hild by Nicola Griffith. It's a reread before I get started on the sequel Menewood. Although I am behind the times as this came out back in 2023! What are you #reading today?
Introducing our new reading list - Class Reads ✏️ An expertly curated list for junior and primary school readers, these hand-picked titles will open up chances for discussion, learning, and imaginative exploration of important themes and issues. More info⬇️ childrensbooksireland.ie/our-recommen...