Westmeath Libraries have resources and facilities available to teachers and children throughout the county. We offer a teachers membership, allowing teachers to borrow up to 40 items at a time for up to twelve weeks without the need to renew.
Teachers can also work with their local library to arrange class visits on a regular basis, or one off tours to learn how the library works.
During the summer months we run our Summer Stars programme designed to keep children reading while on holiday from school. Usually beginning in June teachers can also arrange to sign their classes up to this before the summer break.
Other resources we offer teachers and children include thousands of ebooks and eAudiobooks available to download. All that is needed is a valid library card and you can access these instantly on your device. We also offer digital magazines, Language courses, Newspapers, and Online Courses. We also have some short Reading Guides available on our Starting Out page.
Some of our libraries have space available for study and reference work, these can be very busy at times. Please read our guidelines for Students in the library if you wish to use the library for study.
Every year during the month of October we host a number of events for Children’s Books Festival, this includes author visits and storytelling sessions. Teachers can contact their local library to enquire further.
We also run an annual table quiz aimed at Transition Year students, the Battle of Wits. This culminates in a Regional Quiz where schools from across the midlands Battle it out to be crowned champion. At the moment there are 8 counties involved in the Battle of Wits. (photos are available on our facebook page)
In March 2022 we introduced Westmeath's Toy Library (click here for more details) allowing parents and children to borrow Toys and Games from the library.
You can also keep up to date with all our news and events on our social media pages: facebook, twitter, instagram