Summer Stars 2026 - PORTLAOISE LIBRARY

Summer Stars is the public library national summer reading programme for children that runs from the start of June until the end of August. All children throughout the country are invited to join the adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading and writing. Events for children will also be held in branches throughout the summer.

Age Friendly AI Training

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a big part of everyday life — from how we access information to how services are delivered in areas like healthcare and banking. This workshop offers an introduction to AI to better understand what AI is, where it can be found in daily life and what to look out for when using it.

No prior knowledge is required for this event

This event is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required to join the workshop – everyone is welcome!

What is this workshop about?
This training programme has been co-developed with and for older people, building on conversations held across Ireland in 2025.

During the session, you will:

- Learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence
- Spot AI in daily life
- Discuss the benefits and potential risks of using AI
- Take part in conversations about AI in a friendly environment
- After the workshop, there will also be an opportunity to try out AI technologies firsthand through interactive demonstrations.

What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is when technology is designed to do tasks that usually need human thinking, like finding patterns in huge amounts of information – it is used on your phone, for example in predictive texting or in online shopping for making suggestions.

The Scribblenauts

For Children Ages: 9 - 12.

Are you an artist in the making? Do you like to draw and be creative?

Then our new Sketchbook Club: ‘The Scribblenauts’ might be for you!

Join us the last Friday of each month starting June 26th (2:30pm - 3:30pm). Receive your very own sketchbook to fill with your ideas, sketches and doodles. Each session we’ll try out a new material or technique to keep the creativity flowing.

Come along and meet fellow doodlers, sketchers and scribblers. Materials Provided. Sign up at the desk or online!

Money Skills for Life

Are you struggling with the cost of living at the moment? Do you want to learn more about personal budgeting?

Join Ann Shields from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for an engaging talk in Portlaoise Library where she will provide money saving tips for everyday life, support the development of personal budgeting habits and help you understand your rights as a consumer. Free budgeting materials will be available on the night, including a "Money Skills for Life" handbook to take home. Taking place on Weds, 8^th July at 7pm.