Westmeath libraries have range of events in January
A series of events lined up for this January at the various libraries around Westmeath includes a mixture of entertainment, information and education.
Parents of Leaving Cert children are likely to be interested in an information session setting out the educational opportunities available for students leaving school this year.
Entitled ‘A Parent’s Guide to the CAO and its alternatives’, the session is at Moate Library on January 24 at 2pm, and will be repeated at the Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone on January 31 at 10.30am.
Hosting the event will be Fiona Murphy, guidance counsellor with Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board. Fiona will cover the topic of the CAO process and look at what else a school leaver can do such as PLC, traineeships, apprenticeships, college in Europe. There will also be time at the end for any questions and answers parents may have. There is no need to book for either event.
Kilbeggan during the 1798 Rebellion
The Irish Rebellion of 1798 was a popular insurrection against the British Crown in Ireland. On January 25 at 3pm at Kilbeggan Library, librarian Manus Lenihan will deliver a talk about what happened in Kilbeggan during the 1798 rebellion. Again, no booking is required.
Reducing stroke risk
HSE community dietitian Cara Cunningham will give a presentation at Moate library on January 26 at 3pm on practical ways to reduce the risk of stroke. It will cover a variety of topics including cholesterol, risk factors, diabetes, blood pressure, food and tips for a cardio protective diet.
On view in the library
Westmeath Libraries regularly hosts exhibitions from local artists, or celebrating local history. This month at Castlepollard Library, the local history competition entries for local schools are on display till January 13.
At Mullingar Library from January 10 to 24 view ‘A Place in a Case: Lough Lene Gaels Healthy Club PLACE Group’ featuring a 3D light cardboard sculpture exhibition by Teresa Doyle.
Book clubs
A book club is a great way to meet new people, and get some great (or terrible) book recommendations. New members are always welcome in the local libraries book clubs. If you can’t make it to any of the in-person book clubs there is also a Facebook option.
The Kilbeggan U12s book club meets next on January 12 at 3.10pm; Moate Adult Book Club for Beginners is on January 25 at 11am. This month’s book is ‘Paris for One’ by JoJo Moyes. The Mullingar Library Book Club meets next at 6.30pm on January 25. The next meeting of the Castlepollard Library Book Club is at 6.30pm on January 25. This month’s book is The Lodgers by Eithne Shortall. Moate Library’s book club meets on January 31 at 11am. This month’s book is Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue.
Advice on your device
Did you get a new tablet or smartphone for Christmas? Not sure how to add the BorrowBox app? Head along to the library and staff will be happy to help get you set up. From ebooks to language learning, from newspapers to online classes, the library’s online resources are the perfect way to start the new year.
Group meetings
The library also hosts a variety of groups ideal for those wishing to explore a hobby or to make new friends. The line-up includes baby and toddler groups, Alzheimer’s social support groups, mental health groups, knitting and crochet groups, Irish language groups, breastfeeding support groups and more.
Contact your local library, or visit westmeath.spydus.ie for more information.