Here are some of the free events, activities and clubs taking place in our libraries in October – 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 – Call 057 8730020 or email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Period Talk – as part of our Healthy Ireland programme, Paula Byrne of Mindful Cycle will give a talk in the library on Thurs, 10th Oct at 6pm about talking to your child about periods with confidence. Call or email the library to book a place.
Gardening for Biodiversity – as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival, Aoife Munn will deliver a workshop on Fri, 18th Oct at 11am. Create a space that is providing for biodiversity and encouraging wildlife while proving all the benefits and enjoyment we want to get from a green space. Discover the small changes that can make a big difference and what wildlife really needs. Call or email the library to book a place.
Abbey Babbies Baby Book Club – every Friday morning at 10am. 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.
Adult Chess Club – the club meets every Thursday evening at 6.15pm – come along to play a game with fellow enthusiasts. All welcome! Contact the library directly for more information.
Knitting Group – the group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am. All levels of skill are welcome to come along for chats and tea.
Bridge Club – the club meets every Wednesday at 11:30am. All welcome.
Adult Book Club – the club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 6:30pm. Next meeting taking place on Thurs, 24th Oct.
Art Gallery – the gallery is delighted to host an exhibition for the month of October by Laura Tully, an artist from Portarlington. The exhibition, entitled Tell Our Story, was initially inspired by the noteworthy Dancehall era in Ireland. Recollections of this Dancehall era exist, not only in music recording that have survived the test of time but in vintage Morris Minor cars, in rusted sewing machines resting in antique shops. Certain objects are truly time-capsules. Each has their story.
Durrow Library – Call 057 8736090 or email durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Brat Bhride Workshop – as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival, visit the library on Tues, 8th Oct at 6pm for an upcycling workshop with your old scarves/shawls done in the Brat Bhride tradition, symbolic of St. Brigid. Call or email the library to book your place.
Ciorcal Comhrá – the Irish Circle group meets in the library on Tuesdays at 6.10pm. Beidh fáilte róimh cupán tae a ól agus cúpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt nó a canadh.
Adult Book Club – the club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6pm. Next meeting on Tues, 29th October – new members welcome.
Mountmellick Library – Call 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
The Gallery in Mountmellick Library is delighted to host for the month of October Shutterbugs photographic exhibition which will launch on Tuesday October 1st at 6.30 p.m. all are welcome to attend.
Stop Food Waste Workshop – as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival, the library is hosting Yvonne Carty from Hey Pesto on Tues, 8th Oct at 3:30pm for a cookery demonstration showcasing how you can reduce food waste. Call or email the library to book your place.
Book Launch- Mountmellick Library are delighted to host the launch of local author Linda McEvoy’s first novel entitled The Christmas Market. Linda will sign copies of her book at 6.30pm and take part in a Q&A session from 7pm. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend.
Join us for a cuppa at the Ciorcal Comhrá at the library which takes place each Tuesday at 6pm, all levels welcome. Bígí Linn!
Music Workshop – as part of our Parenting Support Programme, join us in the library on Tues, 22nd Oct at 11:30am for a fun music and games sessions for children aged 0-3 years and their parents with Adriana Von Runic. Booking essential, call or email the library directly.
Witches Hat Craft – make a witches hat on Tues, 29th Oct at 2:30pm. Places are limited, booking essential. Call or email the library directly.
Halloween Craft Table – pop into the library on Weds, 30th Oct from 11am for the pop-up Halloween craft table, while stocks last!
Join us for a cuppa at the Ciorcal Comhrá at the library which takes place each Tuesday at 6pm, all levels welcome. Bígí Linn!
Book Clubs are back for all ages-adults and children!
Baby Book Club takes place on Thursday mornings at 10.30am. No need to book.
Junior Book Clubs are back with a book club for all ages. Call 0578689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie
- 4-6yrs meeting 8th Oct at 3.30pm (2nd Tuesday of the month)
- 7-9yrs meeting on Tuesday 1st October at 3.30 p.m.(1st Tues of the month)
- 10-12yrs on Tuesday 1st October at 4.00 p.m. (1st Tues of the month)
Shared Reading: Would you like to take some time out, connect with others and explore some great poems and stories. Then, join us in Mountmellick Library for some shared reading sessions where a staff member will read a story or poem. We then talk together about what we think and feel about it. It’s also fine to just come and listen. Refreshments provided. All are welcome- on the following Fridays at 11 a.m.- October 4th, 11th and 18th.
Adult Book Club – next meeting taking place on Fri, 25th Oct at 11am. We are reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. New members welcome. Call or email the library for more details.
Short Story Book Club: To celebrate the centenary of the birth of the iconic writer James Baldwin the Short and Sweet Book Club in Mountmellick Library will be reading “Sonny’s Blues” for the month of October. Copies of the story are available to pick up in Mountmellick Library. Our next meeting is Tuesday October 29th at 11 a.m. or call 0578689382 for further information.
Positive ageing week
- C-Pens are now available to borrow from the library, ask at the desk for more information.
- Age Friendly area includes audiobooks, large print, comfortable seating, useful information.
Mountmellick Arts Collective meet on Thursday mornings in Mountmellick Library. If interested call 0578689382 or email mountmellickwritersgroup1@gmail.com to find out more!
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!
Keep an eye on our social media/notice boards for any additional events.
Home Energy Kit: Home Energy Kits: The Home Energy Saving Kit contains six practical tools to help you save energy at home and can help identify common problems such as lack of insulation, poor ventilation and the appliances in the home that might be driving up electricity bills. You can borrow the kit for a duration of 2 weeks in order to conduct a mini home energy audit. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for this item call 0578689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie..
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 here.
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
Talking Buddies – as part of our Parenting Support Programme, Talking Buddies will visit on Thurs, 3rd Oct at 6pm for Toddler Talk for parents of toddlers aged 15 months to 3.5 years. Toddler Talk includes evidence-based strategies that are easy to incorporate into your everyday routines, developed by speech and language therapist, Laura Lalor. Booking essential, call or email the library for details.
Supporting your Stressed or Emotional Teenager – as part of our Parenting Support Programme, psychologist Helen Vaughan will deliver a talk on Thurs, 10th Oct at 6:30pm. This workshop will discuss how to parent adolescents and the shift needed from child to teen, how anxiety impacts our young people and supporting them and teen issues, secondary school, bullying, social anxiety and boosting resilience. Booking essential, call or email the library for more details.
Junior Graphic Novel Book Club – the next meeting will take place on Thurs, 17th Oct at 4pm to chat about Mason Mooney: Doppelganger Detective by Seaerra Miller. Suitable for ages 9-12 years. New members welcome!
Ultimate Football Heroes Children’s Book Club – the next meeting takes place on Weds, 16th Oct at 4pm to chat about Foden: 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.
Search & Find – pop into the library during mid-term break from Tues, 29th Oct – Sat, 2nd Nov for a Little People, Big Dreams search & find in the library during opening hours.
Craft Table – take part in our Parent & Child craft table on Tues, 29th Oct from 2:30pm, while stocks last and decorate your own haunted house. Suitable for ages 4-12 years.
Halloween Party – dress up in your Halloween costume and come to our Room on the Broom party on Thurs, 31st Oct for a sensory storytime, craft and spooky treats. 2 sessions available from 10am-11am and 11:30am-12:30pm. Suitable for ages 3-8 years.
Magic Show – visit the library on Fri, 1st Nov at 10am for a special Magic Show with Brightness Entertainment. Suitable for ages 4+.
Family Boardgames – pop in on Fri, 1st Nov for a family ‘Boredgames’ session from 2:30pm-3:30pm. We provide the games, and you provide all the fun!
Scare Your Socks Off – enter our Spooky Story Competition, long or short, typed or handwritten, we don’t mind, it just has to scare us! Ages 7+. Closing date is Sat, 2nd Nov. Drop your entries into the library or email to mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
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.
Lego Freeplay – an opportunity for all future Master builders to get creative and let your imagination go wild on Thurs, 7th Aug at 3:30pm. Booking essential.
Knitting Group – the group meets every Friday morning from 11am-1pm – all skill levels welcome. Light refreshments provided!
Adult Sports Book Club – next meeting on Thurs, 31st Oct at 6pm to discuss The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Tea/coffee provided. New members welcome!
Portarlington Library – Call 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Stay and Play – this Halloween themed session takes place on Tues, 1st Oct from 3:30pm-5pm as part of the National Action Plan for Childminding. There will be spooky sensory play, witches brew and Halloween crafts. Suitable for ages 2-8 years. For more info and to book a place call Darina on 085 170 3772.
Cleaner Greener Home & Garden Workshop – as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival, join Aoife Munn on Fri, 18th Oct at 2:30pm for a session where participants can learn how to make their own cleaning products that will not damage the environment like bought ones can. This is a talk about what to use where in both the home and the garden. Bring along a container and take home a sample. Booking essential, call or email the library directly.
Spooky Craft Table – pop into the library on Thurs, 31st Oct from 11am for a spooky craft table – while stocks last!
Spooky Storytime – join us for a family storytime to get you in the Halloween mood on Thurs, 31st Oct at 3pm.
Stay Connected – a new round of Stay Connected classes delivered by the LOETB will be starting soon. This course will help you to get the most out of using your phone or tablet. Dates to be confirmed. Call or email the library for more details and to book a place.
Puzzle Club – join us for a jigsaw morning and a cuppa, every Tuesday at 10:30am. New members welcome!
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.
Adult Book Club – takes place on the last Tuesday of the month. This month the club is reading Go As a River by Shelley Read. Call or email the library for more details.
Knitting Group – meets every Friday morning at 10:30am. All skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome!
Laois Libraries Online Book Club – join us on the last Wednesday of every month on our Book Club Facebook page when questions are posed for discussion here. This months title is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and is available to download in both ebook and audiobook format on BorrowBox.
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 here
Portlaoise Library – Call 05786 22333 or email portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Ageing with Imagination: Creative Expression for Every Age – as part of Positive Ageing Week (PAW), join us in the library on Thurs, 3rd Oct at 11am. This workshop is designed to explore and celebrate the role of creativity in the aging process, emphasizing that imaginative expression is a lifelong gift that enriches our lives at every stage. Participants will be encouraged to tap into their creative potential, regardless of previous experience, and to see aging as an opportunity for continued growth, self-expression, and personal fulfilment. Open to all adults interested in exploring their creative side, with a special focus on those in midlife and beyond who are seeking to enrich their lives through artistic expression. No prior artistic experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore. You can contact the library to register, or register here: https://tinyurl.com/44bs87jv
Sustainable Fashion – Join the Sustainable Life School for an eye-opening workshop on sustainable fashion on Thurs, 3rd Oct at 2pm. This session will delve into the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, offering practical advice on how to make more conscious clothing choices. Learn how to source sustainable clothing, discover creative ways to repurpose items you no longer want, and gain valuable insights into fabric care to extend the life of your garments. Whether you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe with sustainability in mind or simply want to learn more about ethical fashion, this workshop is perfect for you. Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle through fashion—one choice at a time! Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yc49vyxv
Relaxation Hour – join us in the library on Sat, 5th Oct at 11am for an hour where you will be nourishing yourself with a lovely, calming relaxation exercise. You can contact the library to register, or register here: https://tinyurl.com/4rxxcuzp
Composting Essentials – Join Anna from Big Sky Flowers on Sat, 5th Oct at 1:30pm for an engaging workshop on the essentials of compost making. Learn how to transform your household organic waste and garden debris into nutrient-rich compost that nourishes your soil, supports microorganisms, and encourages healthy plant growth. Registration: https://tinyurl.com/rxtf9pn7
Sound Meditation – Join us for a soothing Sound Meditation session on Wednesday, October 9th at 6:30pm in Portlaoise Library. Experience the calming vibrations of Tibetan bowls, gongs, and other instruments to reduce tension, anxiety, and fatigue while boosting your spiritual well-being. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/3vuc2jse Don’t forget to bring a yoga mat or blanket/towel to lie on! Facilitated by Ollie Plunkett, Certified Sound Therapy Practitioner as part of Laois Connects.
Sustainable Living Workshop – Join Aoife Munn for a fun and interactive2-hour workshop on Thurs, 10th Oct at 6pm that guides you toward easy, sustainable living. Learn simple ways to reduce waste, avoid chemicals, and swap out single-use items for eco-friendly alternatives. The session includes three hands-on craft projects: Make your own soap, Create reusable wax wraps, and Craft biodegradable pots. By the end, you’ll have your own creations and receive step-by-step instructions via email to recreate them at home. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to live more sustainably! Registration: https://tinyurl.com/4bnzue4y
Pokémon Hour – Calling all Pokémon fans! Join us on Saturday, October 12th at 11am for a fun-filled Pokémon Hour. Show off your trading cards, enjoy Pokémon activities, or just chat about your favorite Pokémon! Perfect for kids aged 6-12. Registration: https://tinyurl.com/5bxx4jde
Climate Action Talk – Join the Laois County Council Climate Action Team for an Over 60s conversation about climate change on the 16th October in Portlaoise Library. Hosted by Jacinta Barrins. Call 086-2033269 to register.
Childcare Supports in Laois – as part of our Parenting Support Programme, Muriel from the Laois County Childcare Committee will be delivering an informative talk on the range of supports available for parents in Co. Laois. Taking place on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30pm, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about resources that can benefit you and your family! Booking Required: https://tinyurl.com/2y24ntke
Nutrition Talk with EduFit – Join us for an hour long interactive workshop led by nutritionist Ruth Kavanagh on Thurs, 24th Oct at 6:30pm! Covering healthy meal options, portion sizes, budget-friendly tips, and more, this session includes an engaging “Sugar Shockers” activity. Participants will receive take-home resources. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/bdb69k8h
Family Fake-Away Session – as part of our Parenting Support Programme, join us in the library on Thurs, 31st Oct at 11:30am. Yvonne loves holding Children’s cookery camps to encourage fun in the kitchen and an understanding of the importance of eating well. Yvonne is passionate about healthy family cooking on a budget, her sessions will teach you step by step how to create healthier, cheaper versions of your favourite take away meals. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/7ckf5a9v
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 10th Oct 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, 29th Oct 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, 31st Oct 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 – 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 here.
Age Friendly Quiet Time – Wednesdays, 10am-11:30am – Portlaoise Library staff will observe a quiet time each Wednesday from 10am-11:30am to make the library a more inclusive and comfortable, relaxed environment for you to enjoy your library experience.
Portlaoise Women’s Shed – Friday, 4th Oct at 10am. Portlaoise Women’s Shed, taking place in Portlaoise Library and every Friday after. Run by volunteers, they are a non-profit charity focused on reducing isolation and fostering a community of kindness and support. Providing a safe and welcoming place for women aged 18 and above to come together, connect, and support each other. Any woman who would like further details can email portlaoisewomensshed@gmail.com.
Adult Evening Book Club – Wednesday, 2nd Oct at 6:30pm. Book club members gather for a monthly meet up on Wednesdays to discuss books and different genre’s and to share their passion for books and reading. New members welcome.
Genealogy Club – Wednesday, 16th Oct at 7:00pm. Join the club at Portlaoise Library to chat with family history enthusiasts, learn from their experiences and share your own unique family history stories. Call or email the library for more information.
English Learners’ Book Club – Monday, 21st Oct at 11:00am – 12:00pm. Looking to improve your English reading and conversational skills? Join our new English Learners book club! A new Book Club in Portlaoise Library for adult members of our community who are learning English as a second language and will run once a month after that (with a small break for July & August). Suitable for high-beginner to low-intermediate reading levels. Call or email the library to register your place.
Literature at Eleven – Thursday, 24th Oct at 11:00am. Featuring poetry and prose readings by staff members with tea, coffee, and chats.
Chapter One Book Club – Friday, 25th Oct at 11:00am. Book club members gather for a monthly meet up on Fridays to discuss books and different genre’s and to share their passion for books and reading Call or email the library for more details. New members welcome
Knitting Circle – The Knitting Circle meets every Wednesday morning at 11:00am – all skill levels are welcome!
Ciorcal Comhrá – Come along for some Irish conversation and chat every Wednesday evening at 5:30pm – for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Computer Classes – Age Action run free one-on-one computer classes for people over the age of 55 who have little or no experience with their personal device. Classes run for 2 hours each week, over 5 weeks. To register your interest, contact the Age Action team on 0818 911 109 or the library directly.
Rathdowney Library – Call 0505 46852 or email rathdowneylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Star Weaving Workshops – every Wednesday from 12:30pm to 2pm. The workshops are part of the International One Million Stars programme which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence. Call or email the library for more details.
Children’s Chess Club – meets every Thursday evening from 7pm to 8pm.
Brat Bhride Workshop – as part of the Laois Climate Action Festival, visit the library on Mon, 21st Oct at 7pm for an upcycling workshop with your old scarves/shawls done in the Brat Bhride tradition, symbolic of St. Brigid. Call or email the library to book your place.
Sewing Club – meets every Monday evening at 7pm.
Adult Book Club – meets once a month on Monday evenings. New members welcome! 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 here.
Stradbally Library – Call 057 8641673 or email stradballylibrary@laoiscoco.ie
Adult Art Classes – the LOETB will deliver adult art classes every Wednesday in October from 2:30pm-4:30pm, starting on Weds, 2nd Oct. Places are limited, so booking essential. Call or email the library directly.
Lego for Kids – pop into the library on Sat, 5th Oct and Sat, 19th Oct at 11am for Super Saturday Lego Club!
After-School Book Club – meeting on Weds, 9th Oct at 3:30pm. Suitable for ages 9-12 years. Call or email the library for more details.
Sensory Story – as part of Children’s Book Fest, visit the library on Weds, 23rd Oct at 11:30am for a special “Popper Monster Sensory Story”.
Adult Book Club – next meeting on Thurs, 31sts Oct at 6:30pm. Call or email the library for more details.
Knitting & Crochet Club – the club meets every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Tea/coffee served. All welcome, no sign up needed!