The popular Manx Family Centre in Douglas will celebrate its first birthday next week on Monday (November 16).

It marks a successful year since the centre on Westmoreland Road opened to continue providing services previously delivered by the Family Library.

After a wave of public support called for the Family Library to be saved from closure, the Manx Family Community Association, an independent island charity, stepped in to save the day with support from the local community.

Jennie Thompson, director of the Manx Family Community Association, said: ‘We have had an amazing first year, so we will be inviting key individuals and representatives from community organisations that have helped us to join in with our celebrations.

‘At the same time, we will also be marking UNESCO’s International Day for Tolerance which is very much in tune with the Manx Family Centre’s core values because it encourages everyone to think about how we treat one another and how we make people feel welcome.

‘For us, that means giving people opportunities to join in and get to know others, while respecting their different backgrounds and experiences. It’s also a good opportunity to remind everyone who still know us as the old Family Library that the same services – delivered by the same fantastic team – are now provided through the Manx Family Centre.’

The invitation-only evening celebration will give supporters an opportunity to meet the team and learn more about the centre.

A presentation will trace its history and explain its services, with exhibition tables and staff available to show guests around and answer questions. Jennie said the Manx Family Centre team is looking forward to welcoming regular and new visitors so that the whole community can come along to see for themselves what the centre has to offer.

For more information about the Manx Family Centre and its services go to manxfca.co.uk, find The Manx Family Community Association on Facebook, or email [email protected]