non-fiction

Walk away the Winter blues!

Have you overindulged over the festive season. Do you feel lethargic and tired? Are you afraid to step up on the scales. Has Operation Transformation (TV Programme) frightened you into keeping fit? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, fear not! Dublin Public Libraries can help!

Dublin City Public Libraries have a very comprehensive collection of maps and guides with interesting walks, hikes, and trails contained within: encouraged yet to venture out in the fresh air, and explore and enjoy the countryside?

Suss out any of our 21 library service points spread across the city and checkout these walks. Included are: 

• Best Walks in Ireland by David Marshall (2006)
• Glasnevin Cemetery: A historic Walk (1997)
• Leisure Walks Near Dublin by Joss Lynam (2004)
• Literary Walking Tours of Gothic Dublin by Brian J Showers (2006)
• Lonely Planet Hill Walking in Ireland (2010)
• Secret Dublin. 25 original walks exploring the hidden city by Pat Liddy (2001)
• Walks Around Medieval Dublin by Dublin City Council (2004)
• A Walk Across Ireland from Coast to Coast including the Royal Canal Way by John Mulligan (2006)

I read a lot of books over the last year, approximately 290 of which I noted from the library.  Over the next few weeks I'm going to pick out a few that stood out from the herd.  This week is Non-Fiction.

Of all the books I read from the library some stood out, I couldn't pick a small number but I'm going to put them into themes and pick the best of that theme.  Sometimes it's hard to pick just one, the first listed is my favourite, the rest are in no particular order.  This isn't a definitive list, it's a list of books that are readable alone or are the start of a series, that I read during 2011, that stood out above the others and that I would recommend to others. Read more »

As we are experiencing a baby boom in Ireland at the moment, more and more of you are becoming parents for the first time. Why not look to your local library for some advice? We have a huge range of books that could help you. Whether you are thinking about starting a family, have just found out that you are expecting a baby or are trying to cope with a demanding toddler, we have something to suit all your needs. Read more »

       Ireland's 'glitterati' came out in force last night at the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards Ceremony in the Concert Hall of the RDS. In a night when Seamus Heaney received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by fellow poet Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, it would be easier to say who wasn't there, than who was - even former US President Bill Clinton appeared in a pre-recorded tribute to 'one of the world's favourite poets'.

The Irish Book Award winners are voted on by the public and the various categories were hotly contested. All winning and shortlisted books are available to borrow from Dublin City Public Libraries. Winners on the night were; Read more »

Rachel Allen’s new cook book 'Easy Meals. Over 180 Delicious Recipes to get you Through your Life' is now available to borrow from Dublin City Public Libraries. Included in her new book are lots of quick and trouble-free recipes and plenty of great ideas such as her one pot recipes and recipes that have just five ingredients.

As always her book is full of colourful pictures and has lots of interesting and original combinations of ingredients for example Pork, Chorizo, Haricot Beans with Red Wine and Chickpea and Aubergine Salad. Read more »

Going on Summer Holidays? Why not save yourself some spending money and pick up some travel guides at your local library. We have a wide range of up to date travel guides e.g. Lonely Planet Guides, Rough Guides and Timeout travel guides, as well as lots of info on places to go and things to see.

With Basic info such as how to get to and from the airport plus maps of the areas and recommended activities, accommodation etc. that will suit all the family, these guides are a must have for all you holiday makers looking to make the most of your stay. Read more »