Manx Blind Welfare Society has announced plans for the works of published local authors to be turned into audio books so the blind and visually impaired can enjoy literature written in the Isle of Man.
The first books to be recorded will be The Manx Connection and The Manx Giant – The Amazing Story of Arthur Caley by Island writer John Quirk.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘After Manx Litfest last year, a number of our blind and visually impaired members mentioned that they would like to be able to enjoy locally-written books alongside the thousands of titles we provide through our audio library.
‘I approached John, as director of Manx Litfest, to see whether he thought local authors and their publishers would be willing to give permission for works to be turned into audio books. He was very positive about the idea, and offered us the opportunity to begin the initiative with two of his books. These will be recorded in the coming weeks and made available for our members to borrow from the library at Corrin Court in Onchan.
‘We’d now like to hear from any other published local authors who would be prepared to grant permission for their work to be turned into audio books for the enjoyment of the Society’s members.’
Manx Litfest is a registered charity and staged its first festival in 2012.
John added: ‘One of the aims of Manx Litfest is to spread enthusiasm for enjoying reading and writing across the whole community, so it was rewarding to hear that last year’s festival had inspired members of the Society to request locally-written books in audio formats.
‘The Society does a fantastic job making thousands of titles available to blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man, ensuring they can continue to enjoy literature. It is great news that this range is going to be expanded further with the inclusion of books written by local authors. I was only too pleased to give permission for my works to be used and hope fellow authors in the Island come forward to support the Society.’
Manx Litfest and the Society are now discussing the possibility of Corrin Court hosting an event for visually impaired people during the 2016 Manx Litfest, which runs from 27th September to 2nd October.
The audio recordings will be made at Isle of Man Prison as part of a new partnership between the Society and Department of Home Affairs which has already seen prisoners contributing to the Society’s weekly recorded news service.
Bob McColm, Head of the Prison and Probation Service, said: ‘I am delighted the Isle of Man Prison has an opportunity to continue its partnership with Manx Blind Welfare Society.
‘The prisoners involved in the recorded news service took great pride in the planning and delivery of the project. I know they are looking forward to producing the audio books and helping the Society’s members to enjoy the works of local authors. It is always encouraging to see prisoners making a positive contribution to the local community and I’m sure this latest venture will be a rewarding experience for all concerned.’
If you would like to find out more, contact Debbie by calling 674727 or email enquiries@mbws.org.im.
To find out more about the work of MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety
For more information about Manx Litfest, visit www.manxlitfest.com
Photo - Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator and Events Organiser Debbie Thomson and author John Quirk.
