ONCHAN LIBRARY EXTENDED HOURS THANKS TO FUNDING BOOST

A grant has been awarded to Onchan District Commissioners which enabled its popular community library to remain open over the lunch break.

The £2,500 grant went towards the running of the Harvey Briggs Onchan Library, which before receiving the funding, was forced to close each day between 1 and 2pm due to staffing numbers. Thanks to the funding support, it remained open for members of the community to gather during the winter months, keep warm, and help themselves to hot drinks free of charge.

Ross Phillips, Chief Executive/Clerk of Onchan District Commissioners, said: ‘In the lead up to winter, we were made aware that the number of people using the library facilities each day was increasing. The staff on duty found it became increasingly tough when asking people to leave during the break, particularly when the weather got colder, and the days became darker.

‘On average 40 to 50 people visit the library each day, which consists of predominantly retirees, and also parents with pre-school children. Thanks to the grant, these members of the Onchan community hopefully felt welcome to visit for a hot drink, to use the facilities, or to simply chat. The library is open to all members of the public for use, and membership is free, even if you do not reside within Onchan.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘It’s clear to see that many Onchan residents use the Harvey Briggs Onchan Library, and keeping it open all day during the winter months was certainly a helpful gesture.’

Harvey Briggs Onchan Library is open 9:30am – 5pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10am – 5pm on a Wednesday, 9:30am – 7pm on a Thursday, and 9:30am – 4:30pm on a Saturday.

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is funded by the Isle of Man Government. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/