FUNDRAISERS aiming to keep the Family Library’s range of services up and running have received a boost with the news that every penny they bring in will be doubled.

Earlier this year the Family Library, which includes the mobile library and provides support to schools ,revealed it was fighting for its future and put out a call to find corporate sponsors to help fund services provided by the charity.

As well as existing corporate sponsorship, and some local authority support, the public response has been positive, with a number of library supporters doing their bit, from staging fundraising events to some taking part in the Parish Walk to raise money.

Now a benefactor, the Scheinberg family, has confirmed that, for every penny raised, including firm commitments of corporate sponsorship, the overall amount will be matched - to the value of £125,000 and the pledge will run for three years.

The annual costs to run the Family Library, Mobile Family Library and Schools Service, come to £250,000, so if library supporters and sponsors can reach a target of £125,000 by July 31, then it will keep the services operating.

The Family Library, which switched to charitable status in 2012 after an end to government funding, is based in Douglas. It also operates the Mobile Family Library Service, taking books to customers all around the island, while the Schools Service arranges visits for pupils and also provides support to teachers in the classroom.

Mary Cousins, of the Family Library, said: ’We are overwhelmed by this act of generosity. This gives us fresh incentive to redouble fundraising efforts.’

A spokesman for the Scheinberg family said: ’We would like to stress that the Family Library still needs support. It is important the fundraising goes on.’

If you or your firm is interested in becoming a major sponsor, or holding an event, contact the Family Library on 640650 or email [email protected] or [email protected]