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.

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.

Not sure what to read next? Here are a few ideas to find the perfect escape.

Decide if you want a challenging or easy read, funny or serious, optimist or bleak.
Look at the list of award winning books such as the Orange Prize or the Galaxy British Book Awards.

Find out what books are your friends reading, or look on the internet for sites with lots of ideas.

If you have read all the books by your favourite author, most Libraries can help you find a similar author.

Reading is great fun! You can escape into a different world.

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.

Acceptable Use of Computers in the Ward Library
Due to the increased popularity of the Ward Library Internet access, the following changes will be introduced:
• From 1st September 2008 Internet access at the Ward Library will be free for the first 30 minutes. It will then cost £1.00 per half hour session.
• The maximum session is one hour, but additional time can be arranged, provided demand for the computers is not high. If extra time is permitted it must be paid for in advance.
• Everyone will have to fill in a declaration form with name and address stating they have read the ‘Acceptable Use of Computers in the Ward Library’. On subsequent visits they must sign in at the Library issuing desk.
• Juniors under 16 must have a form filled in by parent/guardian and they will be issued with a card to show they have this permission on subsequent visits.
• Sessions may be booked in advance.
• Computers will be switched off 15 minutes before the Library closes, this may mean there will not be time for a full session.

Photo courtesy of Doug Allan