Refurbishment works to improve our library service have begun! These will include Easy Access, My Open Library and Sensory resources Kilbeggan Library is currently closed for renovations.While we are closed remember you can use your library card in any public library around the country. We would be delighted to see you in Athlone, Castlepollard, Moate, […]
The Michel Déon Prize was founded in 2018 in memory of the French writer Michel Déon (1919-2016) who made the West of Ireland his home. It is a joint prize awarded in alternate years by the Royal Irish Academy in Ireland (funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs) and the Académie française in France. The winning author […]
Set in the near future Bewilderment is the story of Theo, a father trying his best to raise his 9 year old son after the sudden death of his mother. Theo is an astrobiologist, searching for life on other planets, but his son Robin is utterly consumed by this world and its ecological problems.I really […]
This May we are celebrating the arts and creativity as we age with the Bealtaine Festival. Taking place across Ireland Bealtaine engages with people, inspiring creativity among older people and promote the skills, experiences and exposure that can help your creative life. This year activities Westmeath Libraries feature a variety of free events, including arts […]
The Knitting and Crochet group in Kilbeggan Library have been busy creating purple hearts as part of a new initiative at Regional Hospital Mullingar. Elizabeth Donaghy, Grace McPaul, Emma Cassidy, Mary Connolly and Patricia Dowd have used their skills, knowledge and time to crochet purple hearts which will be given to bereaved families in the […]
Did you know that there was once a bloody battle in the streets of Kilbeggan? In the 1798 Rebellion many Irish people, inspired by revolutions in France and America, rose up against landlords and British rule. While the major fighting took place in Wexford, Mayo, Antrim and Down, there was plenty of drama in these […]
The second ever Irish Astronomy Week took place from the 9th - 16th March 2024. Westmeath Libraries were delighted to be able to take part this year, and hosted events in Athlone and Mullingar Libraries. Mullingar Library hosted Ivan Merrick, the current Chairperson of the Midlands Astronomy Club, on the 12th March for his talk […]
a Westmeath Libraries podcast where we chat to local historians and uncover the gems of the local history collection here in Westmeath. Libraries play a central role in remembering and preserving the county’s history and sense of place, as well as promoting and developing the culture of Westmeath. The local history rooms in our libraries […]
Engineers Week 2024 took place from the 2nd March – 8th March. The Aidan Heavey Library had lots of exciting schools events taking place during the week. On Tuesday the Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service visited the library to give a talk on the fire & rescue service, including how engineering is an important part […]
In the run up to #IrelandReads on Saturday 24th February 2024 we have asked our reading ambassadors to tell us why they love reading and what types of books they love to read. Author and illustrator Dolores Keaveney tells us all about the non-fiction books she enjoys. Reading is like "lighting up your brain" so go visit your […]