The Ward Library was visited recently by years 4/5 from the Clothworkers School. When the children arrived they took part in a treasure hunt and the entries were posted in a special post box at the Library.

There is a prize for one lucky winner drawn from each class, which will be delivered to the prize winners as soon as possible. While small groups looked around the library and selected a book they would like to borrow, the other classmates were doing various activity sheets with a literary theme.

Each child went back to school with a pencil and bookmark from the Library. The number of children visiting the Library took some organizing and I am very grateful to the teachers and helpers who made sure they arrived and returned safe in very stormy conditions.

It also helped that the children were so well behaved; it was pleasure having them all down.

Mrs. Phyllis Long has very kindly donated a copy of her recently published book ‘A Native Peel’ to the Manx Collection in the Sophia Morrison Reference Room, and will be available for reference. I am sure this will be very popular addition to the Manx Collection.

Congratulations to the Peel Heritage Trust on their recent twentieth anniversary. The celebratory evening was a great success and a large amount of work must have gone into the displays after the main event, making it such a good evening. The CDs of the various talks that were used to such good effect on the night are available for people to come and hear in the Ward Library.

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.

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.

•        Library staff will provide general information on the settings, but will not be responsible for any changes users have to make to their computer settings.

•        Printers will not be available via the wireless connection and users will only be able to use their own battery power.

•        Users will also have to agree and sign the existing Library Internet Policy.

•        Wi-Fi users must also be aware that this connection is provided by the Commissioners as a public service, and cannot guarantee that the use of the wireless connection is secure, or that privacy is protected.   The use of this connection is entirely at the risk of the user.

•        The more people using the system the weaker the signal will become, and at times there may be a restriction to the number of users.

•        Normal internet charges will apply to cover the cost of the system.