We can’t tell you how much we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the Family Library next week!

For the past few weeks, our team has been clearing and cleaning ready for a safe re-opening and ensuring the appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) has been in place.

Nothing beats seeing you in person!

Of course, throughout the last three months of restrictions, we have been continuing to play our role in supporting islanders, particularly the most vulnerable members of our wonderful community.

In the week prior to closing at the end of March, the Mobile Library and Home Library Service issued over 2,700 books to borrowers and has subsequently delivered another 1,800 through contactless doorstep delivery.

This is happening again over the next two weeks, and we will resume our regular ’big bus’ services from July 20.

We can’t wait to see everyone again.

For those living alone and self-isolating, we have kept in touch by phone, email and writing, offering a chat and information where needed.

Those online have been able to download free audiobooks, we have been offering book bags which many have collected from the front porch of the Family Library and we were pleased so many of you were able to borrow from our wide selection of books and other resources such as DVDs.

In addition, we were delighted to resume our Schools Service.

Our van is now back out on the roads with an array of books and other educational items.

One of the most pleasing elements of the past few months has been the reaction to our series of online classes - core events and activities that are usually held and well attended at the Family Library which have moved online while the island was told to stay at home.

Alongside holding classes, including many of our favourites such as Sing and Sign, Stickyfingers, Toddle Tots, Story Box and Teddy Time, we have also been developing other initiatives such as Throw Back Thursday, Jolly Music, Family Quiz Questions, Kitchen Kapers and Super Science.

Thanks to all of you who joined in and shared with us our exciting online programme of fun activities.

It has been so important to keep in touch with you all, both new friends and the members we know so well.

We look forward to seeing you in person (and online) next week!

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

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.

by The Family Library team

www.familylibrary.im