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No more library fines on overdue books

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Libraries across Kerry will no longer be imposing fines on overdue books - and all outstanding fines on members’ accounts will also be removed.

This is in line with all public libraries nationally and is one of the key aims of the new public library strategy ‘Our Public Library 2022: inspiring, connecting and empowering communities’, which was launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, in June 2018.

The strategy states ‘The library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges. Library charges have been shown to have a detrimental effect on library use by children and the disadvantaged. However, there is little evidence to show they ensure timely returns – rather they may actually dissuade members and users from returning overdue items’.

However, no fines does not mean no responsibility. Library borrowers will continue to receive reminders and overdue emails to prompt them to return items to the library. Items should be returned as normal on or before their due date to allow them to be borrowed by other library users.

Items can still be renewed online, by phone or in person at a local library. Failure to return or renew items will result in your card being blocked from taking out or renewing any further items, including e-books and e-audio books. Borrowing privileges cannot be restored until an overdue item is returned.

The elimination of overdue fines is another way for libraries to encourage people who might not regularly use the library to experience what they have to offer. Members of the public are encouraged to return undamaged, overdue library items to their local libraries. There will be no fines to pay from January 1 2019, and Kerry Library would be happy to reactivate your library membership for you to begin using your local library again.

Previously paid overdue fines will not be refunded. Also note that fines cannot be cleared from an account until an overdue item is returned to the library.

Kerry Library provides a wide range of free services, including adult and children’s book lending, e-books and audio books, online language and training courses, classroom novels for schools and a local history and archives service. All details are available at www.kerrylibrary.ie.

 

 

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Regatta Queen crowned at annual dance

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The annual Killarney Regatta Dance took place on September 25 as rowers, families and supporters came together to celebrate their successful year.

The racing was cancelled in September due to bad weather.

The Killarney Regatta is one of Ireland’s oldest rowing events, having first begun in 1788.

The dance took place at the Killarney Oaks Hotel where there was a lot of excitement and fun. Six rowing clubs, Fossa, Workman’s, St Brendan’s, Commercials, Flesk Valley, and Muckross, came together to celebrate the community and its shared history.

Amelia Counihan was crowned as the Regatta Queen.

The Queen represents the spirit pride and grace of the rowing community and has been a tradition in the club for generations.

Workman’s Rowing Club congratulated Amelia and described her as a woman who embodies everything that their tradition stands for.

The club said: “Queen is more than a title — it is a celebration of history, community, and the spirit of Killarney rowing.”

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Killarney Looking Good competition celebrates community pride

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The annual Killarney Looking Good competition took place at the Great Southern Hotel on Wednesday night where Kerry GAA captain Gavin White presented the awards to the deserving recipients.

Killarney Park Hotel came out on top with the overall prize being awarded to the newly refurbished five-star hotel.

The judges were impressed by the stylish new entrance and driveway and their spectacular display of flowers and window boxes. Killarney Park won the same award back in 1992.

The best large commercial premises award went to Killarney Racecourse, and the best small commercial premises was awarded to Sheahan’s Pharmacy.

Charlie Foley’s won the best public house; best restaurant was 40 Main and Walsh Bros Shoes was named best retail.

In the residential categories, the best private residence was Tomies View, Ross Road, best large estate went to Countess Grove, and best small estate was won by Coolgreane Park.

The winner of the 2025 Fr Michael Murphy Memorial Pride of Place Award was presented to the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative while the Yvonne Quill Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award winner went to Margaret Curtin.

The Killarney Looking Good competition is organised by Killarney Municipal District Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and sponsored by MD O’Shea’s & Sons and O’Mahony Media.

The competition aims to encourage residents and business owners to keep the town looking well through the use of flowers, hanging baskets, colour schemes.

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