The charity that runs the Family Library and mobile library services was asked last summer to come up with a sustainable funding model, a government spokesperson has said.

As the Isle of Man Examiner reported this week, the award-winning library could close unless new funding can be found.

But there could be central government support for mobile library services.

The spokesperson said: ’It is accepted that there is community value in a mobile library and the government will explore this as a future service.’

support

In 2017, Tynwald agreed to support the charity for three years.

’It meant government provided £125,000 per annum, which was matched by a benefactor, until summer 2020, after which the charity that runs the services was asked to find a sustainable funding model,’ the spokesperson said.

’On top of this, support was also provided through the provision of the Family Library building, the mobile library vehicle and associated fuel and maintenance costs.’