Looking for a fun (and free!) way to keep the kids busy over the summer holidays? Check out Summer Stars, the national reading programme that runs in libraries all across Ireland. Summer Stars is perfect for helping kids keep up their reading while school’s out, but more importantly, it helps them discover that reading can be a real adventure.
It’s simple — kids sign up at their local library, read whatever books they like, and keep track of their reading over the summer. There are fun rewards along the way like stickers, certificates, and even medals for getting stuck into stories. And it’s not just about reading — we'll also be hosting events, like storytime, arts and crafts, and more
All our events are free, but you will need to register in advance for others. Click on the links below for more details
| Event | Details | More Information & Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Stars Launch with Matt Oldfield | Matt Oldfield is the author of Unbelievable Football (winner of the 2020 Children's Sports Book of the Year award) and the Johnny Ball: Football Genius series. His fun, action-packed biographies tell the exciting life stories of the world's greatest footballers, from Maradona through to Messi, from Beckham through to Kane. | Online event - 4th June 2025 (complete) |
| Treasure Hunt at Athlone Library | As part of our Summer Stars activities, Athlone Library is hosting a hunt for pirate coins in the children’s library! Ask at the desk for more information and make sure to check out our Lego pirate ship to get a head start in the search for gold. | Aidan Heavey, Athlone- runs until 31 Aug 2025 |
| Ready Steady Play | Ready, Steady Play will be hosting a sensory play and music class using musical instruments and other props to encourage learning and physical development through play and music. The classes are suitable for Walkers (Circa 12-14mths) up to 3.5yrs of age. Booking essential | Castlepollard Library - 2nd July, 10:00AM - 11:00AM Mullingar Library - 2nd July, 11:45AM - 12:45PM Athlone Library - 2nd July, 10:00AM - 11:00AM Moate Library - 2nd July, 11:45AM - 12:45PM |
| LEGO Free Play | We supply the LEGO, you create what you want! Join us in Castlepollard Library at 3:30pm for a LEGO Free Play Session. Booking is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for age 5 | Castlepollard Library 3rd July at 3.30pm Booking essential |
| Basebot Robotics workshop | Create and learn more about the world of robotics with our STEM Engagement officer Kelley. During this workshop, participants will work in pairs to build a VEX Basebot robot and learn how to drive it. Suitable for ages 10 - 12 years. Booking essential. Part of Westmeath Libraries Summer Stars programme of events. | Mullingar Library - 17th July, 10.30AM - 12.30AM Athlone Library - 17th July, 2:30PM - 4:30PM Moate Library - 30th July, 11:00AM - 1:00PM Castlepollard Library - 31st July, 11:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Kind Kids Club | Orla from Kind Kids Club will be here to introduce you to the world of wellbeing and mindfulness. She’ll show children how to relax their minds and to understand and express their thoughts and feelings through a wide range of fun activities. For ages 7 - 10. Booking required. | Castlepollard Library 30th July, 12:00PM - 1:00PM Mullingar Library 30th July, 2:00PM - 3:00PM Moate Library 8th August, 10:30AM - 11:30AM Athlone Library 8th August, 1:30PM - 2:30PM |
| Makey makey workshop | A hands-on workshop where participants will craft their own cardboard guitar, and then learn how to make it play sounds using A MaKey MaKey device. This is a STEAM workshop which combines art and technology, and teaches participants to design and build using a MaKey MaKey device. Suitable for ages 7 - 9 years. Booking essential. | Mullingar Library - 7th August, 10.30AM - 12.30AM Athlone Library - 7th August, 2:30PM - 4:30PM Castlepollard Library - 12th August, 11:00AM - 1:00PM Moate Library - 13th August, 11:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Robotics Coding workshop | Learn how to code a VEX Basebot Robot and watch it move on it’s own. This robotics code for beginners workshop teaches participants to program a robot using VEX robotics code. Watch as the robot moves across the floor using code you have created! Suitable for ages 10 - 12 years. Booking essential | Mullingar Library - 21st August, 10.30AM - 12.30AM Athlone Library - 21st August, 2:30PM - 4:30PM |
| more events coming soon... |
This article was published on: 6th June, 2025
Filed under: Library blog, Library News