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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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New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square

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A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council launched yesterday evening at College Square.

Titled Streetscapes, the open-air public art installation officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, accompanied by a performance from the Killarney Youth Drumming Band THUMP! under the guidance of Urs Wenk from Drum Dance Ireland.


The public art project features a series of wall murals depicting Killarney through the eyes of local children, exploring freedom, play, and potential future evolutions of the townscape.

The artworks reimagine Killarney’s iconic landmarks and streets, blending youthful imagination and curiosity.


Supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, the installation is mounted on the gable wall of Reen’s Life Pharmacy in College Square, where it will remain on public display until March 2027.


Speaking at the launch, Daniel O’Shea, Youth Development Officer at Kerry ETB, stated: “Streetscapes is a wonderful celebration of how children see things. Their creativity brings new perspectives to the townscape, and we are proud to support their ideas and their art through this public artwork.”


Deirdre Enright, Co-Ordinator of the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB, acknowledged the community support behind the initiative: “We are very grateful to Reen’s Life Pharmacy who have shared their built space with us. Huge credit is due to the artistic team from Me+The Moon whose dedication to creativity and to children’s art shine through in this work.”


The project forms part of the annual Architecture Kerry Festival and receives funding through Creative Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth via Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council.


Victoria McCarthy, Festival Organiser and Architectural Conservation Officer at Kerry County Council, welcomed the continued inter-agency project: “It’s always a great event for Architecture Kerry and we are so pleased with this collaboration between public sector organisations. It remains a key feature of the Architecture Kerry programme.”
See next week’s Killarney Advertiser for full photographic coverage of the event.

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

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Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise

Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.

Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.

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