Offaly Libraries invites you to “Get Lost in a Good Book” for Ireland Reads Day

Offaly Libraries is proud to join libraries across Ireland in celebrating Ireland Reads, a national campaign to get the whole country reading during February, culminating with Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, February 28.

The campaign, part of the government’s Healthy Ireland programme, celebrates and promotes the many benefits of reading for wellbeing and enjoyment. The theme for 2026 is ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’, and we are inviting everyone in Offaly to take part. We have an array of regular activities and special events lined up during February to celebrate Ireland Reads and the very important role this reading fulfils in people’s lives.

Silent Book Clubs have become popular all over the world. Discover the joy of communal reading! No assigned books, no pressure, just bring your chosen read and enjoy quiet, dedicated reading time with fellow book lovers, meet new friends, relax, and escape into the pages. Offaly Libraries will be having three Silent Book Clubs to celebrate Ireland Reads, in Daingean Library, Thursday, February 26, 10am - 12.30pm; Edenderry Library Friday, February 27, 11am-12pm (tea and coffee provided) and Tullamore Library, Saturday, February 28, 2pm-4pm (tea and coffee provided).

Tullamore Library will also have Arts & Crafts, Monday, February 23, 3.30pm; Ciorcal Comhrá , dé Máirt, February 24, 6.45pm; Story & Rhyme, Wed, February 25, 11am; Writing Group, Thursday, February 26, 6pm; Adult Chess Group, Thursday, February 26, 6pm; Music Generation's Baby & Me, Friday, February 27, 11am; TY Board Game Club, Friday, February 27, 2pm.

Edenderry Library will have Messy Play - Find the Fictional Character, Wed, Feb 25th, 15:30 - 16:15; Blackout Poetry Morning: discover hidden poetry in old books through blackout poetry, Fri, Feb 27th, 11:00; Crafty Friday for Ireland Reads, Fri, Feb 27th,15:30 - 16:15; Bookmark Making Station, Sat, Feb 28th, 10:00 -12:30; Storytime for Ireland Reads, Sat, Feb 28th, 11:00. Daingean Library’s events include Blackout Poetry, Tues, Feb 24th, all day (drop in event); Bookmark Making Station, Sat, Feb 28th,10:00 -12:30; Storytime for Ireland Reads, Sat, Feb 28th, 11:00.

Birr Library will have Baby Book Club, Wednesday, February 26, 11am (no booking required); Lego Club: build a scene from your favourite book, Wednesday, February 26, 3.30pm, (booking required: ages 6+); Crafty Friday, Friday, February 27, 3.30pm (booking required: ages 6+); Lego Free Play, Saturday, February 28, 10am - 1pm (no booking required: ages 6+); Storytime, Saturday, February 28, 11am (no booking required, suitable for the whole family); Make Your Own Comic Book, Saturday, February 28 11.30am (booking required, ages 7+).

Banagher Library has Family Storytime and Craft, Saturday, February 28, 11am (no booking required).

Ferbane Library will have Storytime for under 6's, Tuesday, February 24, 10am (no booking required); DIY family craft, Thursday, February 26, 3pm (no booking required).

Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just rediscovering the joy of books, there’s something for everyone at Offaly Libraries. Library membership is free and joining is a great way to mark Ireland Reads Day!

Visit Offaly Libraries on social media or its website for information about activities and events and visit www.irelandreads.ie for more information about the campaign.