Family Library awarded funding for warm space initiative

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded the Isle of Man Family Library a grant, so it can extend its opening hours this winter.

Awarded from the Community Warm Spaces Fund, the £2,500 boost will allow the Library to stay open to the public later on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Its aim is to provide the community with a welcoming and warm space to gather, meet others and participate in group activities.

A long-established service, the Family Library is a popular community hub which supports people of all ages, but mostly children of school age by encouraging learning, creativity and imagination.

The opening hours will extend to 7pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and Library staff welcome anyone where they can enjoy light warm refreshments, read books, play jigsaws and games, and access the internet free of charge.

Sue Jolly, Family Library Manager said: ‘During a normal week, we have a footfall of around 550 – 600 visitors. By extending the hours and spreading the word, we hope to increase that by 200 – 300 per week. Over the period of a month, we could be helping more than 800 Islanders and their families.