It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Family Library and while it is still November - just - it’s not too early to get into the festive spirit!

Indeed, we are welcoming the big man himself, Father Christmas, to see us this weekend and can’t wait to catch up with him.

He’ll be popping into our Christmas Fayre, which takes place from 11am-3pm on Saturday (November 30), so make sure you pop in too, meet Santa and take a look at all our seasonal offerings.

We think there’s something particularly authentic about getting together at this time of the year, perhaps gathering around a roaring log fire and reading something special.

From Charles Dickens classics to more modern tales like The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, from ghost stories to comedies, or the uplifting adventures of children who get to meet Santa, the world of literature literally has something for all ages at Christmas.

The tradition of telling stories at this time of year is one we hold dear to our hearts and there are plenty of books available at the Family Library that will give you the perfect festive read.

Just ask our staff to point you in the right direction.

Speaking of books, we were delighted to welcome retired teacher Robert Cowley and 13-year-old Karmen St John-Cain into the library last weekend to chat about their new book.

Rob wrote ’No Entry’, with a little help from his grandson, while Karmen, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, superbly illustrated the book.

All proceeds from sales will go to Autism In Mann.

A copy would make an ideal Christmas present as would one of our Family Library vouchers which can be used to either buy a membership or go towards the participation costs of any of the many activities that we organise.

As this is our last column before Christmas, all that remains is for all of us at the Family Library, Schools Service and the Mobile Family Library to wish you a Merry Christmas!

To keep up-to-date on events and to find out more about the services available, check out the Family Library page on Facebook, call the library on 640650 or visit familylibrary.im.

The website has everything you need to know about the Family Library, Schools Service and Mobile Library.

The library is based on Westmoreland Road, Douglas (close to Henry Bloom Noble School).

by the Family Library

www.familylibrary.im