Westmeath Libraries Skills for Life programme welcomes all
Westmeath Libraries are taking part in Skills for Life, a new nationwide initiative designed to help individuals build essential life skills. The programme is free to access for everyone at all local authority library services in Ireland.
The Skills for Life programme offers practical support across six essential areas: Helping individuals build basic digital skills for everyday tasks; Improving financial literacy for better money management; Developing media literacy to navigate online information safely; Providing guidance on employment and business skills; Promoting health awareness for informed decision-making; Encouraging sustainable living through environmental education.
Westmeath Libraries are offering several events this autumn and onwards to support adults in Westmeath grow their life skills. Exhibitions on media literacy topics are taking place in September.
Castlepollard, Moate and Athlone Libraries will host ‘The Glass Room: Misinformation Edition’, which explores what misinformation is, why it’s shared and how it spreads. Find out how we, the individual users, take part through our many clicks, likes and shares. Mullingar Library will host ‘Supercharged by AI’, a creative exhibition that explores the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our online lives.
Adults can build their digital skills by learning how to install and use the library apps at our weekly ‘Advice on Your Device’ drop-in sessions, every Wednesday morning at Mullingar, Castlepollard and Athlone Libraries (10am-noon), and on Tuesdays (11am-1pm) at Moate Library.
To mark Sustainable Development Goals Week, Mullingar Library is holding a free ‘Fix-It Fast: Basic Clothing Repair’ workshop on September 23 (6-7.30pm). Participants will learn how to sew on a button, repair a small tear or hem trousers. Booking is required.
Keep an eye out on our library events listings for more initiatives in autumn such as digital skills one-to-ones, financial literacy sessions and employment skills workshops.
Details on events are at westmeathculture.ie.
Michelle Ruddy, executive librarian at Mullingar Library, said: “Today’s libraries are vibrant, welcoming spaces where people come not just to read, but to learn, engage, and gain new skills. The Skills for Life programme allows us to meet our community where they are, offering practical support for everyday challenges.
“Libraries are trusted, inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the supports they need to navigate everyday challenges and meet their goals. It’s about empowering individuals with the confidence and skills to thrive in today’s world.”
The Skills for Life programme is part of the national public libraries ‘The Library is the Place 2023-2027’ strategy and reflects the expanding role of libraries as trusted community lifelong learning hubs. It is designed to be flexible, allowing each library to tailor delivery to local needs through workshops, curated resources, expert talks, and partnerships with community organisations.
“Skills for Life marks a significant evolution in how libraries support lifelong learning and community wellbeing,” said Stuart Hamilton, head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). “By offering free, accessible resources across key areas like digital literacy, employment skills, and health awareness, we’re helping people build the tools they need to navigate modern life with confidence.
“This initiative reflects the library sector’s deep commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and public service. Libraries are trusted spaces and through this programme, we’re reinforcing their role as vital community anchors for learning, growth, and resilience.”
Designed to connect with people through themes that matter to their everyday lives, Skills for Life offers something for everyone, from engaged library users looking to build practical skills, to jobseekers and adult learners accessing resources for employment seeking and digital literacy.
Community groups and support services can engage with libraries and Skills for Life can have a role in helping their members build confidence and independence, while young adults will find support in navigating modern life through topics like media, health, and digital awareness.
Skills for Life affirms the role of libraries as welcoming spaces for learning, empowerment, and personal growth.