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Local libraries as popular as ever with 2019 top books revealed

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POPULAR BOOKS: Staff from Killarney Library, Eamon Browne, Kathleen Rice, Hazel Joy and Sabrina Horgan, pictured with some of the most popular books of 2019. Photo: Francis Foley

 

 

By Francis Foley

 

The digital age may be taking over, but the love of real books isn’t declining – in fact, according to Killarney Library, they’re just as popular as ever.

 

However, libraries are having to adapt to the modern digital age and are making allowances by developing online ordering, renewal and a wealth of online services.

 

“It is more than just books,” Killarney Librarian, Eamon Browne, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

 

All books can be ordered online and collected later, and for even more convenience there is a service that allows the lender to take the book back to any library in Ireland. Also, ebooks and audio editions are available to the public to cater for the modern local library, which of course is true judging by the list of the most popular books borrowed in 2019. And it is the coverage these books receive on digital media, television and film that leads to their demand at the local library, he explained.

 

The most popular books list for 2019 were:

Adult Non-Fiction: ‘The Official Driver Theory Test Book’

Michelle Obama, ‘Becoming’

Vicky Phelan, ‘Overcoming A Memoir’

 

Adult Fiction:          Christy Lefteri, ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’

Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen’s 'Aisling' books.

James Patterson, series of novels.

Margaret Atwood, ‘The Testament’ - Sequel to ‘The    Handmaid’s Tale’.

Heather Morris,’Cilka’s Journey’ – Sequel to ‘Tattooist of Auschwitz’.

Graham Norton, ‘A Keeper’

 

Children’s Titles:   Jeff Kinney, ‘Dairy of a Wimpy Kid’.

Dave Pilkey, ‘Dogman’

Judi Curtin, Irish children’s author, most titles.

J.K. Rowling, series of ‘Harry Potter’ books.

David Walliams’ series of books, most titles.

 

Topping the list in the non-fiction section may come as a surprise to some; ‘The Official Driver Theory Test Book’, both car and commercial truck editions. This can be explained because of their price and hopefully, because of their short period of use.

 

What also has a great influence on which books are most popular is what is trending on social media or in the news.

An example of this was Brexit and the border issue in the North of Ireland which lead to people wanting to find out more for themselves.

“Some books just fly off the selves because of trending such as, Graham Norton’s ‘A Keeper’ and Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’,” Eamon said.

 

When it comes to the children’s section, J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series of books is still popular as they find a new generation of readers, as does the works of Roald Dahl. There is also demand for new children’s authors such as David Walliams, ‘Grandpa’s Great Escape’, and Jeff Kinney with, ‘Dairy of a Wimpy Kid’, he added.

“The services the modern local library supplies are important to the local community, and it’s a great thing to see.”

 

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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Minor injury clinic to open by this time next year

The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home. […]

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The Killarney Local Injury Clinic is expected to be open by Q3 2026, according to the HSE. The proposed unit will be located on the grounds of St Columbanus Home.

The timeline was confirmed in response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill, who said the project will follow the relocation of the Community Nursing Unit from its current site to the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital. Once the transfer is complete, construction of the injury clinic can proceed.
Deputy Cahill described the two new health facilities as “a fantastic addition for Killarney and the wider East, Mid, and South Kerry regions” and noted they will help reduce waiting times at University Hospital Kerry A&E.
“I will continue to push for enhanced health services for our people,” added the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Older People.
The new clinic is expected to provide urgent care services for local residents, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.

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