

This year’s programme runs from November 4-8 and promises to transport you on a literary journey encompassing a multitude of genres, including crime, memoir, romance and short stories.
We are delighted to host an evening that celebrates the life of Mary Lavin; highly regarded as a pioneer in the world of women’s literature. Focussing on her relationship with the New Yorker, the evening will welcome contributions from her two granddaughters Alice Ryan and Kathleen McMahon. Roisin O’Donnell is this year’s One County One Books novelist; her packed programme of events will culminate in an interview with Lisa Harding facilitated by Miriam O’Callaghan. The acclaimed RTE Spoken Stories series will be presented with a distinct Laois flavour as well known Laois voices that include Claire Byrne and Evelyn Cusack will take to the stage to read from these stories.
A full and vibrant programme of readings, talks, music, film and spoken word is in store and we look forward to welcoming you along to immerse yourself in this diverse and wonderful countywide celebration of literature and music.



Thursday
6/11/25 6:30 pm
Portlaoise Library

Thursday
6/11/25 8:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre

Friday
7/11/25 11:00 am
Dunamaise Arts Centre

Friday
7/11/25 7:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre

Friday
7/11/25 9:00 pm
Dunamaise Arts Centre

Saturday
8/11/25 6:30 pm
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland

Saturday
8/11/25 8:30 pm
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
One County One Book is an initiative run by Laois Libraries as part of Leaves, designed to connect communities through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. This initiative successfully fosters a sense of community, promotes literacy and encourages a love of reading.
This year’s One County One Book is Roisín O’Donnell’s book Nesting. Nesting is a powerful debut novel that has captured widespread acclaim since its release in January 2025. Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, it’s a story that resonates deeply with themes of resilience, motherhood and survival.
Catherine Ryan Howard 
Burn After Reading
The Trap
The Nothing Man
56 Days 
Run Time 
The Liar's Girl 
Catherine Kirwan 
The Seventh Body
Cruel Deeds 
Darkest Truth 
A Lesson in Malice 
Keith Donald
Music and Mayhem 
Roisin O'Donnell
Nesting
Lisa Harding
The Wildelings
Bright Burning 
Miriam O'Callaghan
Miriam, Life, Work, Everything 
Evelyn Cusack and Seamus Walsh 
They Say it Might Rain
Mary Costello
Barcelona
The River Capture
The China Factory
Academy Street 
Andrea Carter
There Came a Tapping 
The Body Falls 
Death at Whitewater Church 
Treacherous Strand 
The Well of Ice
Emma Fogarty
Being Emma 
Kathleen MacMahon
Nothing But Blue Sky
The Home Scar
Alice Ryan
There's Been a Little Incident 
Seana Tinley
The Irish Midwife