'A fantastic service': Offaly libraries commended by local councillors after stellar 2025

Local Councillors have commended the work of Offaly library services at the January meeting of the Municipal District of Tullamore. 

Offaly librarians Eimear McGinn and Honor Ridgeway gave a detailed presentation at the meeting which showcased both the progress and the array of events and initiatives that have been carried out over the last year. 

There were a number of grant successes for the library services during 2025 which have given them the opportunity to offer a host of new programmes moving forward.

This included Healthy Ireland funding which will go towards a curated series of health education seminars and events, CYPSC Funding which will contribute towards both the Parenting Support Programme, in partnership with Laois Libraries and Sensory Offaly Programming.

Health Ireland orchestrated 18 events at Offaly libraries with 228 attendees over the last year. Cyber Safe Kids workshops, Sensory Play Sessions and Art Therapy Sessions were just a sample of the events which they held surrounding health information. 

Throughout 2025, the Parenting Support Programme delivered 17 events with 218 attendees. The varied topics of the events in this area included family budgeting advice, dealing with anxious children as well as dealing with grief and loss. 

The library's Sensory Space offered in Tullamore Library was also a huge success with 5,395 visitors since its launch in April 2022 including 1,547 visitors in 2025.

The Magic Table was another strong feature as it hosted interactive sound and light-based games on a table-top to promote physical activity, engagement with two based in Tullamore Library and one in Clara Library. 

Other collaborative projects throughout 2025 included the popular Offaly Libraries Comic Con which brought in over a thousand visitors, Cruinniú na nÓg which consisted of 35 free events attracting 925 participants. 

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Cathaoirleach of Tullamore MD, Councillor Declan Harvey lauded the work that's been done by the local libraries stating: "The service has gone from strength to strength, there is great work being done."

Councillor Neil Feighery echoed the Cathaoirleach's sentiments adding: "It's really impressive, the resources are endless. It's great for getting people into the habit of reading and long may it last."

Leas-Chathaoirleach for Tullamore MD, Councillor Shane Murray praised the environment that has been created for those who want to visit and spend time using the facilities.

He explained: "The library is a fantastic service and the staff absolutely makes it, they can react to any situation put in front of them. It's so welcoming and it's a fabulous place to go."

Councillor Aoife Masterson was complimentary of the impact the library services has had as an outlet within the community as well as the county as a whole. She told the staff members in attendance: "I absolutely love visiting the library, you have put the library back into the heart of Tullamore and Offaly. The collection of books there is exceptional."

She continued: "The amount of calls I get praising the library speaks volumes. The work you do with the historical society is fantastic and it offers great support to local historians."

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Offaly Library Services will continue their impactful work introducing new and innovative programmes for 2026. This will include the 'Be Well, Be Creative' local programme which will deliver a host of cultural and creative activities for adults such as mindfulness sessions, sound healing & relaxation, musical concerts and acrylic art workshops.

There will also be a national programme titled: 'Skills for Life' which will offer practical support across many essential areas including basic digital skills, financial literacy, media literacy and health awareness to name but a few.