Harry Potter books - best selling books since 1998

Books in the Harry Potter series heavily dominated the list of the top 50 bestselling books since BookScan began keeping records in 1998 claiming seven places on the list. According to The Bookseller magazine, the list was topped by Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code with Angels and Demons, The Lost symbol, Deception Point and Digital Fortress also claiming places on the list. All three books in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series made the top 50 with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn all featuring.

The Lovely Bones, The Kite Runner, One Day and Birdsong were among the bookclub favourites on the bestselling list. Children’s classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo also made the top 50 list. The highest earning authors since BookScan began keeping records in 1998 were JK Rowling, Jamie Oliver and James Patterson. Maeve Binchy reached number 22 on the list selling over 6.4 million books with Marian Keyes at number 30 selling over 5.6 million.

EL James, author of Fifty Shades of Grey, reached number 26 on the list, despite having had only 3 books published. Although exact figures are not available for ebooks, it is reckoned that including books sold in this format, Fifty Shades of Grey is the best selling book ever.

Tom Lenihan sings The Hills of Clare

"Tom Lenihan (1905-1990), Knockbrack, Miltown Malbay. Recorded July 1991. From the album Around the hills of Clare, songs and a recitation from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection, An Goilin." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of August 2012 by krisberwouts.

Eoin O'Neill, Quentin Cooper, Yvonne Casey & Ger Hoyne on Geantraí

Eoin O'Neill, Quentin Cooper, Yvonne Casey & Ger Hoyne playing in Pepper's Bar, Feakle, County Clare, on TG4's Geantraí in May 2002. Posted on Youtube on the 30th of June 2010 by Faha10.

Plain Set in Kilkerin Battery

Plain Set in Kilkerin Battery. "As part of the 2012 Dan Furey Weekend, participants were invited to visit Battery Castle, a fort on the Shannon near Labasheeda, County Clare, built 200 years ago. During a session in the castle, three figures of the Plain Set were danced to music by local musicians." Posted on Youtube on the 29th of August 2012 by Bill Lynch.

Ballyvourney Jig Set in Labasheeda

"Johnny Reidy Céilí Band played for the opening céilí of the 2012 Dan Furey Weekend in Labasheeda, County Clare, where this Ballyvourney Jig Set was danced." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of August 2012 by Bill Lynch.

Cashel Set in Kilrush

"At a céilí on the Market Square in Kilrush, County Clare, the Cashel Set was danced to music by Brian Ború Céilí Band and calling was by Mike Mahony." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of August 2012 by Bill Lynch.

Surfing in Lahinch

"Took a day trip to Lahinch in County Clare. Trying to catch some long clean waves! The forecast was 4ft, 13 seconds, 5mph cross-offshore wind." Posted on Youtube on the 6th of September 2012 by deafvision.

My Destination - County Clare

"My Destination County Clare... Locally informed, globally inspired & lovingly handmade on the ground by our local experts! Find out more at: www.mydestination.com/countyclare." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of September 2012 by mydesinationvideo.

Polldubh Cave in the Burren

"This cave has a hip-deep pool, one close passage with a beautiful forms and short narrow corridor where travers technique is essential. It is very friendly for beginners. Cave is situated in Burren, Ireland. We took part in Clare Caving Club trip." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of April 2012 by www4x4sbcom.

New audio books available to download

Clare County Library has added new titles to its list of audiobooks available for download from our website.

The new titles include:

Live Wire by Harlan Coben

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Dead Centre by Andy McNab

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday

Postcards from the Heart by Ella Griffin

Deniable Death by Gerald Seymour

Clare County Library's e-audio service allows registered library members to download electronic audio books for free. All you need is a PC with broadband internet access and you can download the selected eAudio book, play it on your PC or transfer it to your MP player, iPod or even your mobile phone. You may download and 'check out' up to ten audiobooks at a time for a 'loan' period of three weeks. Audio books may be renewed once. Each title offers unlimited availability and simultaneous access for all borrowers, so every library user can download all the latest bestsellers at the same time, making waiting lists a thing of the past. Access hundreds of bestselling Clipper Audio titles and download them at home.