There’s a new look website for the Isle of Man Family Library and Mobile Library Service.
As well as a different look, the website also now has a .im domain and can be reached through www.familylibrary.im.
Mary Cousins, librarian in charge of the Family Library, said: ‘We wanted to freshen up the site and for people to see the Mobile and Family Libraries as one service – for the whole Island community - and to give a clearer idea that we're part of the Manx Educational Foundation charity.
‘We're hoping it will be easier for people to access all the information they need, including opening hours, events, timetables, catalogues, Mobile Library service routes, our schools service and much more.’
One of the main new features available is a facility to search the library catalogues to see if the book you are looking for is available and to reserve your copy.
The site is now easier to navigate and also includes a news section for users to keep up to date.
The Mobile Library operates along 10 different routes over a fortnight.
Sandra Henderson, librarian in charge of the Mobile Library, said: ‘Customers can now get all the information about our route, timetable and our many services via the website.
‘We hope this will help us to reach out to even more potential customers who may not otherwise be able to enjoy the services that a library can provide.’
In addition, the new website gives teachers and schools quicker and easier access to see the vast range of resources the Family Library offers as part of its free schools service.
The expanded schools service - which has its own dedicated section on the website – supplies more than books, CDs and DVDs. It can provide other teaching resources and props ranging from Victorian toys to Viking masks. Class visits can also be arranged.
The Family Library and the Mobile Library services are run as a charity, under the umbrella of the Manx Educational Foundation, after previously being part of the Department of Education. Last year, the services won the medium enterprise category in Isle of Man Newspapers’ annual Awards for Excellence, sponsored by RBS International.
The Family Library is situated next to the children’s playground in Westmoreland Road, Douglas.
Photo - Claire Kinrade and daughter Eloise, four, try out the new website
