Library facing closure 'a lifeline to families'

Regular visitors to a family library which is under threat of closure over future funding have said the service as "a lifeline" that they would be "devastated" to lose.

In May, directors of the Isle of Man's Family Library said the facility would close on 31 July due to expected annual losses of £100,000 as a result of rising costs and declining incomes.

An online fundraiser set up by volunteer group The Friends of the Family Library in a bid to protect the service and its mobile library has raised more than £5,000.

Mum-of-two Michelle Lord, who supports the campaign, said the facility was "so more than just a library", adding: "It isn't just about the books, the team here foster growth in the kids."

Since full funding was pulled by the then Department of Education in 2011, following a revision of the island VAT income, the services have been run as an independent charity.

The library on Westmoreland Road in Douglas offers activities to young people, schools and adults, such as discos and crafting.

Government funding set to end in 2026, and the education department has said it has "no plans" to provide further support.

The directors of the facilities have said unless a long-term funding solution can be secured, the facility will close its doors next month as they could not "guarantee" it would have the funds to operate for the next 12 months.

Ms Lord, from Douglas, who takes her children to the service three times each week said it was "a really special place", which was "always inclusive and welcoming".

She said: "Life can be overwhelming, but at the library we play, read and craft. It's somewhere we reconnect, we leave in such a better space as a family."

"I think we're going to lose a massive support system for so many people across the island if it disappears."

Laura Parry, who visits every Friday, said if the library were to close it would "leave a big gap in our lives".

"My mum brought me and my brother when I was a kid, and I've brought my two boys," she said.

"The kids can be free, play, enjoy the books, and there's no expectation to spend any money which is so rare."

"Both the parents and children take a lot away from the group activities, I don't think there's anything that compares to it on the Isle of Man."

As well as the Douglas facility, the charity also operates a mobile library in rural areas, with a home service available for those who are housebound.

Beastie Dovey, from Andreas, has been using the mobile service fortnightly for 15 years.

She said: "Living in the middle of nowhere, I can go for a week and not talk to anyone, other than perhaps on the phone."

"The volunteers know the people who borrow books, and what they might like to read, as well as what is happening in their lives".

"It isn't just a library, it's a point of contact which is an absolute lifeline for people like me.

"I would be bereft without it."

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