The Family Library is an important social and literary resource for schools, adults and the wider island community, based at Westmoreland Road in Douglas.

December is upon us and we are well and truly getting into the festive spirit at the Family Library.

Our Christmas Fair last weekend was a huge success with 346 visitors - and they were only the ones we managed to count.

Of course, we are fortunate to have a hotline to the North Pole and Father Christmas has promised he will pop in again to see us before the big day and will be in his grotto on Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19 at 2pm.

We’d love to see you then, or another time over the next few weeks, where you can take a look at all our seasonal offerings. If you don’t already, you’ll certainly feel Christmas-ey by the time you’ve been to say hello!

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

The tradition of telling stories 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.

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.

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

Also, if you’re looking for a gift this Christmas, just ask our staff about purchasing 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 we organise.

Talking of which, keep an eye on our Facebook page for details about a themed event we are hoping to hold between Christmas and New Year!

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,see our Facebook page, call the library on 640650 or go to familylibrary.im.

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

We will be closed on Wednesday, December 23 at 4pm and the Mobile Library will not be operating a service from Monday, December 21 to Monday, January 4, 2021, inclusive.

by the Family Library

www.familylibrary.im