Save our Library Services!
Statement from Directors
8th May 2025
It is with regret that, after 14 years of operating as a charity, the Family Library is planning to close at the end of the day on Thursday 31st July 2025. This includes all of its services, the Children’s Library, Mobile Bus, Home Delivery Service and Bibliotherapy.
Over a number of years, the costs of running the services have been increasing and the income declining. This has reached a point that the deficit in operational funding is of the order of £100,000 each year and the Directors have decided this is no longer tenable and so have had to come to this very hard decision, particularly in the 100th year anniversary of rural library services starting in the Isle of Man, the precursor to our current mobile services.
We thank all of our users and benefactors over the years for their support and allowing us to facilitate the great experiences and services that we have maintained over the years.
Kurt Roosen, Director
What you can do
Help us to prevent the closure of the Family Library and all its services:
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Contact your MHK and let them know how valuable our services are to you (view sample letter here).
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Spread the word: Visit FamilyLibraryIOM on Facebook, follow our page, share our pinned post, and leave a comment on our posts to let everyone know how you feel about our impending closure.
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Come and see what we do! Visit the Family Library in Douglas or the Mobile Family Library around the Island and learn more about our vital services.
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Fundraise or donate - every penny counts! See below for 5 easy ways you can donate right now to the Family Library.
1. Sign up to easyfundraising
You can sign up to easyfundraising and raise funds every time you shop online - for free!
2. Send money directly to our bank account
Bank name: CAF Bank
Account name: Family Library Ltd
Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account number: 00029715
3. Make an instant donation via Paypal
4. Set up a standing order to the Family Library
In order for us to stay open, we need regular donations. Please consider setting up a standing order if you would like to provide regular payments to our services.
5. Become a Friend of the Family Library
Sign up to Patreon and become a Friend of the Family Library!
Bonus Action!
Write to your MHK
Let them know how important the Family Library is to you!
Please consider contacting your MHK or Douglas City Councillor on our behalf:
