THE Manx Educational Foundation (MEF) hopes to continue its involvement with the Family and Mobile libraries past it’s three-year deal.
A three-year deal, with funding from PokerStars was announced last week.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/three-year-deal-in-effect-for-family-and-mobile-libraries-1-4925437|See our earlier coverage here}.
When asked about the libraries’ long term future, Kurt Roosen, of the MEF, said he hoped the MEF would continue its involvement: ‘What we have is a three-year commitment. That gives us three years to work on what happens afterwards. We certainly hope it remains a legacy going forward.’
The official launch of the libraries takes place on October 6. Mr Roosen, said it would give people a chance to find out more about future plans for the services.
A new Mobile Family Library has already hit the island’s roads.
The vehicle was bought by the Department of Education and Children last year but wasn’t put into service when the closure of the libraries was threatened.
The purpose-built vehicle replaces the Mobile Library which had been in service for 11 years.
Sandra Henderson, librarian in charge of the Mobile Family Library, said: ‘Most library vehicles are replaced every six or seven years so it is a credit to the staff who look after and work on the vehicle that it has continued in service for this length of time.’
Similar to the Family Library, in Westmoreland Road, Douglas, the Mobile Family Library has a new logo. It has also been rebranded to reflect the fact it is a library service for all the family.
The vehicle holds about 2,750 books, audio CDs, MP3 and playaways – a form of audio books which only require headphones to listen to.
The steps can transform to a lift for wheelchair access or for those customers who struggle with steps.
It is also more manoeuvrable, and more economical.
Sandra said: ‘The staff and borrowers are relieved and excited the library services are continuing and look forward to a long and prosperous future with MEF. There will be an opportunity to visit the vehicle in October when the official launch takes place so watch this space.’
Mary Cousins, librarian in charge of the Family Library, said there were lots of events in the pipeline.
They include a visit from children’s author Jeremy Strong on Saturday, September 28, and French language classes for children, La Jolie Ronde.
A new website for the library services is currently being developed.
For more information about the Family and Mobile Family libraries call its new number – 640650.
