Westmeath Libraries are delighted to welcome library users back to the Aidan Heavey Library Athlone, on Thursday 19th February.
Our initial opening hours will be:
Thursday 19th Feb: 9.40am – 5.30pm
Friday 20th Feb: 9.40am – 5.00pm
Saturday 21st Feb: 9.40am -1.30pm
Normal opening hours will resume on Monday 23rd Feb.
The works have included improvements to the lighting, installation of a new lift, and excitingly for many of our borrowers a brand new service, the Sensory Cubbie. The Cubbie will be available from the 19th February, and offers a calm and supportive space for users who may be overwhelmed and need to reset and regulate their emotions.
Patrons are welcome to drop in browse, borrow, study, use the computers and wifi and avail of library services. In particular we look forward to working to provide the community with a safe and welcoming space for activities. We are looking forward to celebrating Ireland Reads on Saturday 28th February with storytimes, book clinics and imagination stations. We also look forward to working with colleagues in Westmeath Arts during March as the new John Broderick Writer-In-Residence programme is rolled out. To keep up to date with events in the library please visit www.westmeathculture.ie
While Westmeath Libraries is reopening in Athlone on Thursday 19th, there will be some ongoing works over the next month to complete the upgrades. We hope that this will have limited disruption on services but ask for patience.
When works are fully completed, the My Open Library will be launched in the Aidan Heavey Library. This will allow adult members and students aged 16+ (with parental permission) to use the library outside of staffed hours, allowing self service access. Open from 8am – 10pm, 365 days per year, the My Open Library service aims to remove barriers for those who want to read, pick up books or study at a time that suits them. We hope to begin registration for My Open Library in Athlone in mid-March.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back through our doors and greatly appreciate the public’s patience and support during the upgrade works.
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Contact Paula O’Dornan, Senior Executive Librarian 044 9332162 podornan@westmeathcoco.ie
Attached: Photo of the Cubbie, the new freestanding sensory support service
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 19/02/2026
