Mrs Gell and Mrs Allan
It is always sad news to hear that a long standing member of the Library has died, and it was particularly so when recently the Library lost two borrowers within days – Mrs. Marion Gell and Mrs. Kitty Allan.

Mrs. Gell was a member of the Library for many years, even before I took over in 1984. Quite often after choosing her books Mrs. Gell would leave the books at the Library and ‘go for a little walk’. Assuming it would be a stroll around the breakwater, it was sometime before I realised that the ‘little’ walk included climbing Peel Hill. An avid radio listener it was a challenge sometimes to trace a book she had heard about on the radio, and this introduced her to the power of the internet. We had great fun putting in different searches until we came across the right information.

Mrs. Allan was very proud to known as the Library’s oldest borrower and when she was 100 years old in the same year as the Library Centenary in 1907, the Commissioners arranged for her to become an Honorary Member of the Library. An avid reader it reached the stage that it was easier to mark the books with the initial A when they were collected for her, so she wasn’t getting books she had already read, as she knew straight away if she had had the book before. Sometimes the system didn’t work, but she was always right, she had read it before and we had missed the initial letter.

They will both be missed not just by their families, but by their friends as well, of which I was very proud to be among them.

Carol

Increase in borrowing figures
The library is pleased to report an increase in book lending over the last year of over 7%.

Subscriptions
The Library still has large amount of borrowers with overdue books who have not paid their annual subscription. Please check to see if your subscription is due. If the subscription is not paid then you are not entitled to borrow any books. Any outstanding books cannot be renewed and will be charged as overdue from the date the subscription ran out.

Audio Manx heritage CDs
The Peel Heritage Trust has donated another Audio CD to the collection held at the Library. The latest addition is Mr Reggie Bell in conversation with Mrs Corrie Wooding. Mr Bell celebrated his 100 birthday this year and the recording is called ‘100 not out – My Life So Far’. The Trust has even provided a CD player. The CDs cannot be removed from the Library but the CDs can be heard at the Ward Library during normal opening hours. Also hot of the press is ‘A Cooish’ with Col Brian Mylchreest called ‘Diamonds are Forever.

Junior Library re-vamp.
The Junior Library has taken delivery of a reading mat and some colourful soft cushions. It has been amazing the difference it has made to the junior area. The carpet and cushions were bought out of money left in a Bequest to the Library by Mr. Jack Kneale.



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.

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:
• Internet access at the Ward Library is free for the first 30 minutes in any one day. It then costs £1.00 per half hour session or part thereof.
• 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.