FAMILY LIBRARY AWARDED FUNDING FOR WARM SPACE INITIATIVE

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded the Isle of Man Family Library a grant which will allow it to 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 evenings, providing 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 the two assigned days, 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.

‘We are extremely grateful for the support from the Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is allowing us to utilise our facilities for the members of our community.’

Attending the Family Library’s warm space session one Wednesday evening was Rosie Quinn and her daughter Lowenna. Following the session which they both thoroughly enjoyed, Rosie said: ‘This is our first visit and we have been given a very warm and friendly welcome!’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘The Trust was pleased to award the Family Library with the funding required to offer a safe and welcoming space for local people, particularly during these times of hardship.’

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is funded by the Isle of Man Government. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/