The Ward Library statistics for the Centenary Year have shown a large increase in the number of members. The membership has grown by 24% on the previous year. This is the largest overall yearly increase since 1985, and the highest membership figures for several years. The Library was closed for a month in April last year, and the book and audio issues would also have seen an increase on the previous yearly figures. Overall, this is a very successful end to the Centenary Year. Thank you to everyone who supported the various events.

The statistics also show that 25% of the Library membership comes from non-residents of Peel. The Library is very grateful for the support it receives from the residents of the surrounding local authorities.

No link to Douglas Library
The Commissioners Board Meeting on 21 February considered and rejected a proposal from Douglas Borough Library to let Peel ratepayers use the library in Douglas if PTC paid them a set fee each year. The Commissioners agreed that the Ward Library provided Peel residents with good facilities and had a knowledgeable librarian. Members agreed that they should encourage residents to use the library in Peel rather than one elsewhere.

New subscription rates
From 1 April annual subs are:
£8 Peel resident
£9 Rural resident
£1.50 junior and full-time students

The National Year of Reading 2008 aims to ensure that as many people as possible enjoy the pleasures and benefits that reading can bring.
Here are some ideas:

• Employers can make their work place more reader-friendly by turning their old smoking rooms into mini-libraries and arranging places for quiet reading.

• Parents can spend ten minutes a day reading with their children.

• Adults can join their local library or a reading group, or start reading a newspaper or magazine on the way to work.

The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries.

Photo courtesy of iomtoday.co.im

See news of the last year's Centenary and read about the history of Peel library

The Internet is available at the Library.

Internet access is free for the first 15 minutes, then £1 for each subsequent 15 minutes.

Junior members wishing to use the Internet must collect a disclaimer form and a parent or carer must sign it and return it in person. Everyone using the computers must read the rules on internet use, and sign in and out of the record book.  The new computers have monitoring software and any misuse can be traced.

Photo courtesy of Doug Allan