Kerry Library Service is reminding everyone that you don’t need to set foot in your local branch library to access a wide range of free library services. During the current public health restrictions, numerous Kerry Library services can be accessed from your living room.

While all library buildings are currently closed, Kerry Library members can still access a wide range of these online resources. You can join the library online and get eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers for free straight away, or even take language and other courses. All are available free of charge through the website www.kerrylibrary.ie. A range of materials can be accessed online or downloaded 24/7 to a PC, tablet, iPad, or smartphone.

E-Books and e-audio, including books for adults and children, with both fiction and nonfiction titles, are available for download via the BorrowBox App or from a link on the library website. Extra titles have been added to BorrowBox this week to deal with the increase in demand.

“Hundreds of online daily and weekly, local, national and international newspapers are available through the PressReader service,” explained County Librarian, Tommy O’Connor. “If you don’t have time to read books and prefer to browse both current and back issues of magazines online, there is a wide range available through our website.

“For more activities suitable for children, you can check out the library recommended online resources for children. The Universal Class product offers over 500 certified e-learning courses, self-paced with expert instruction and certification. You can try everything from learning yoga, digital photography or accounting online,” he said.

If you are not a member, that isn’t a problem! You can now sign up online and use a temporary barcode to access the online resources without having to contact your local library. Just log on to the www.librariesireland.ie website. If you need help accessing any of the services, an online resources help page is available on the library website, and if you need your library card renewed or a PIN reset please email onlinequeries@kerrylibrary.ie.