News
Local libraries as popular as ever with 2019 top books revealed
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.”
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
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LOCAL GOLD:
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