Cavan County Library Service has been organising Children's Book Festival events in October for many years, and it remains a central focus of our annual programming calendar. The aim is to spread the enjoyment of books and reading among children of all ages. 2025 is a bumper year for author visits with Peter Donnelly, Sadhbh Devlin, Nina Carbery and more! Don't miss our storytimes and activites in libraries through the month of October.
Culture Night is taking place this Friday across the county. The programme is packed with exciting and diverse events- from Dowra to Bailieborough and everywhere in-between including Johnston Central Library, Cootehill Library and Bailieborough LIbrary. Culture Night is a celebration of creativity and community, with all events completely free and open to everyone. We’d love for you, your friends, and your families to come along and enjoy the evening’s offerings.
Storytime is extra special on the 27th September from 11.30am-12.15pm at Virginia Library. We're inviting all young pirates and princesses to join us (in costume if they so wish) for 45 minutes of swashbuckling and royal tales and fun for 3-7 yr olds. No formal invite needed - just come along!!
Think you know your library? Think again. Join us on Saturday, 27 September for National Public Libraries Open Day and discover what’s waiting beyond the bookshelves. From digital resources like eBooks and audiobooks to creative spaces, book clubs, exhibitions, and quiet study zones, there’s a whole world to explore—right in your local library. Take a closer look and be surprised!
Age-Friendly AI, a national initiative led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, has launched its “AI Opinions”, a FREEPOST postcard campaign to mark International Literacy Day. The campaign sees Age-Friendly AI partnering with libraries across Ireland to capture the thoughts and ideas of older adults on the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). FREEPOST postcards available in all Cavan Libraries, invite library users to share their hopes, concerns and ideas for making AI more age-friendly.
Congratulations to Jade Egan who was the winner of our 'All About Virginia' quiz which was part of our Heritage Week celebrations at Virginia Library. Jade got 10 out of 10! Thanks to all the children and families who took part. The quiz got everyone thinking about the heritage of our town.
Due to popular demand the Children's Book Club in Belturbet Library is coming back for a September restart! Perfect for curious minds aged 9 – 11, we will explore exciting stories and share ideas. It is more than reading – it is a place to make friends, spark imagination and have fun with books you’ll love. Booking is essential but we will try to accommodate as many children as possible! Please call Belturbet Library on 049 952 2683 to book your child's place.
Join us for Sensory Saturdays at Belturbet Library, a new initiative starting on 12th July from 10.15 – 11.30 a.m. designed for children of all ages and abilities. Experience our Magic Table – an interactive tool that stimulates the senses and encourages engagement. Explore our sensory toy collection – perfect for supporting both gross and fine motor skills through play. Booking is advised but walk-ins will be welcome, please call 049 95 22683
Cavan County Libraries offer a wide range of services that you may not be aware of including sensory services, literacy supports, a range of healthy Ireland at your Library events, access to online services such as e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers and local history clinics and lectures. Find out more by visiting your local library. Library Membership is FREE for everyone.
As part of Summer Reads with Cavan Library Service we will be hosting bestselling author Roisin O'Donnell whose debut novel Nesting is part of the 2025 summer reading list! Join us in Johnston Central Library on Thursday 17th July at 7.00pm for a talk, followed by an audience Q&A. Spaces are limited so please call Johnston Central Library on 049 437 8500 to book your seat.
Sharing a story with a loved one is precious time spent together. Join us for our Intergenerational Storytime events in libraries across the county as part of Bealtaine Festival this May. No need book - just come along to enjoy stories with the little ones in your life.
Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people on Saturday 7 June 2025.Booking for events is open - check out the programme in your area.
Have you a child starting school in September? Did you know libraries across County Cavan have a FREE 'My Little Library Bag' for every child making the leap from preschool to Junior Infants. Each bag contains two fabulous books, one on starting school and one on making friends, a special library card wallet and a range of resources for parents and children to support the transition to primary school. Library membership is FREE and you can continue to top up your book bag with new stories and adventures anytime you visit your local library.
We had an absolutely wonderful day across our libraries on 6th May as we opened our doors for a countywide Tea Party. Johnston Central Library, Virginia Library, Arva Library, Bailieborough Library, Belturbet Library and Cootehill Library were buzzing with chat, laughter, song, music, craft as we celebrated Bealtaine Festival in style! A BIG thank you to the groups who joined us to make it a very special day including the Cavan Singers, Friends of Parkinsons Music Group, Holistic Harmonies Community Choir and Bailieborough Creative Hub. It was truly uplifting to see everyone enjoying a cuppa, making connections and enjoying the entertainment. Thank you to all the members and visitors who joined us - we were delighted to see you! Find out about further Bealtaine Festival events in your local library or browse the guide
Johnston Central Library Study Hub will open from 10am on Wednesday 7th May for all students. Running through May and the first week of June we will provide study spaces in a dedicated room. You can book your space the day before. Please note all hub users must be members of the library service. Drop into our library desk to sign up for your FREE account
Bealtaine Festival which runs throughout May is our national festival celebrating creativity in older age and Cavan Library Service has exciting programme of events planned. Tea parties, craft and creative events, music and song and even a Bealtaine Festival Quiz. All events are free but note that booking is essential for some. We look forward to seeing you... the library is the place!
Any one for tea? To mark the 30th anniversary of Bealtaine Festival we are hosting a Tea Party in our libraries on Tuesday 6th May. This is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and celebrate the wonderful creativity of older people in our communities. Enjoy light refreshments, a little music and perhaps a song or two! The Tea Parties will be held in Johnston Central Library, Virginia Library, Cootehill Library, Bailieborough Library, Belturbet Library and Arva Library. All welcome but booking essential - ring your library or pop in.
Spring Into Storytime is celebrated in all libraries across the country in the month of April. The programme is in full swing in our libraries and we have some fantastic events programmed over the Easter break. Booking essential for some events so don't delay... pick up the phone or drop in!
Our Bealtaine Festival plans are set... and it's going to be a busy month of May! We're celebrating the festival run by Age and Opportunity with a packed programme of events - all free but booking essential on some. There is something for everyone!
Spring Into Storytime is delivered in all libraries across the country in the month of April, with storytimes and activities for in the library for preschool and primary school aged children. Cavan Library Service is delighted to launch it's annual Spring Into Storytime Colouring Competition which opens today, 25th March. Download the entry for the two Categories 5-7 yr olds and 8-12 yr olds or pick up a copy in your local library branch. The closing date for the competition is 9th April. Good luck everyone!
The Bookmark - Our monthy newsletter with all the latest from libraries across the county.
Take a look back at features and photos from previous months and years!