The Isle of Man Family History Society has a new library in the iMuseum at Kingswood Grove in Douglas, which forms part of the Manx Museum

Sadly, within a few days of opening, the coronavirus took hold, and like most organisations, it has had to close its doors to members and visitors alikeâ?¦albeit on a temporary basis.

The library was opened by former Ramsey MHK and society patron Anne Craine. In her speech, she mentioned the importance of libraries throughout history, especially in this time of social media, when not all the answers given online necessarily tell the true story.

While giving a brief history of the IOMFHS library, she spoke of how this was the second of the libraries for the society she’d had pleasure of opening as patron, not everyone she said, can say that they have had the honour to do so twice in a lifetime.

The vision and organisation for the move to the MNH building, was predominately the work of Priscilla Lewthwaite, congratulating her for all that she has done in bringing it to fruition.

Mrs Craine also mentioned the names of some of those who had contributed to establishing and looking after the last three Peel libraries, the first being established in 1980 including Noreen Cottier, Phyllis Watterson, Veronica Vondy, and Doreen Quayle.

After the official opening members and guests enjoyed refreshments to celebrate the occasion, which had ’come on the heels’ of the society having celebrated its 40th anniversary. The society had been formed on the island in the Millennium Year of 1979.

Anyone interested in joining and finding out more about the work of the society, can do so by visiting the Isle of Man Family History Society website,or visiting its Facebook page.