The crowd at a recent talk in Athlone library, which will soon be closing for nearly three months.

Athlone library to close for nearly three months

Adrian Cusack

Published: Tue 30 Sep 2025, 10:40 AM

The Aidan Heavey Library in Athlone is set to close to the public for nearly three months - from October 24 until January 19.

The closure is to allow for improvement works in order to facilitate public access outside of normal hours through the 'My Open Library' initiative.

While an upcoming closure of the library had been mentioned previously, the dates when it will take effect were just confirmed this morning (Tuesday).

A statement on behalf of the library said it was "excited" about the upcoming works which would lead to "a new chapter in the library" starting in January.

There will be a one-day closure of the library tomorrow (Wednesday) while some "initial enabling works" are carried out, and it will then remain open between October 2 and October 24.

"As October brings the Children's Book Festival, we encourage children, families and schools to continue to visit the library to borrow books, take part in free activities and, while there, find out about our online resources," said the library in a statement.

"The library will be closed from 5pm on Friday, October 24, and it is anticipated that we will reopen on Monday, January 19."

"We are very excited about the developments which will soon be taking place in Athlone Library," said Paula Leavy McCarthy, County Librarian, Westmeath Libraries.

"As a result of these works we will have the ability to provide much-increased access to our library space, opening up our services and infrastructure to the community 365 days a year.

"We appreciate your patience as we make these necessary improvements and look forward to welcoming the community back for a new chapter in the library in January 2026."

The library's statement encouraged members to "continue to take advantage of our wide range of online services" during the closure period.

"To ensure uninterrupted access to online services, please ensure that your membership is kept up to date. Drop into the Aidan Heavey Library during October or contact Library HQ on 044 9332162," it said.