As we write this month’s column, we appear to be enjoying our second heatwave.

Or is it actually the same, long heatwave, with a little gap in between? Either way it is hot!

If you can’t get yourself down to the beach with a book, soothed by the sea air, we recommend finding a shady spot, pouring a cool drink and settling down for a good read of one of the many thousands of books we have available at the Family Library and the Mobile Family Library.

Perhaps choose something with an icy feel, just to make you feel a little cooler?

What could be more different from the heat we are enjoying than Call of the Wild by Jack London. It is the story of a dog who is stolen from his home and forced to work as a sled dog in the Klondike gold rush.

It is just possible that younger people may know of a film called Frozen. There’s a song that was made quite famous, but we can’t quite remember what it was called. We’ll just have to Let It Go.

It is widely accepted that the inspiration for the icy escapades of Elsa and friends was a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, called The Snow Queen.

Andersen, of course, was a master of the magical tale. We have plenty of them that you can borrow from our libraries.

We do like a bit of horror, here at the libraries, too. Sticking to the cold theme is a good excuse to give a mention to Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, with the opening and then denouement played out across the icy landscape of the North Pole.

Lonely trudges through ice and snow are a reliable staple in classic literature. The settings in Pasternak’s Dr Zhivago will certainly provide a cool antidote to the hot weather.

Similarly, snow plays an important role in the Narnia tales. So, if you’ve got a big wardrobe - and ideally a very big cat and a stern looking woman nearby - why not try reaching to the back of it and see where it takes you? Alternatively, just ask if you can borrow The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis!

If we are talking all things snow and ice, then we cannot avoid mentioning The Snowman, the beautiful book by Raymond Briggs and Jim Erskine. It was immortalised in film and by that song.

Is there a more perfect representation of the challenges of young friendship?

All these books are available through the Family Library and the Mobile Family Library. Please feel free to ask any of our staff who will be only too happy to help you find the book of your choice.

Don’t forget, also, that our Summer Reading Scheme is about to get underway.

Blast off for our Space-themed scheme is Saturday, July 7, with the official launch at the Family Library. Keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook page for more exciting developments at the National Aeronautical and Fun Academy - or NAFA, for short!

You can register at the library or by calling 640650.

The Family Library is next to the children’s playground in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. It operates as a charity and also runs the Mobile Family Library and a Schools Service. To keep up to date on events and to find out more about the services available, check out the Family Library page on Facebook or visit www.familylibrary.im or call the library on 640650.

by the Family Library

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