The Mobile Family Library service has received a significant boost thanks to Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009).

The company, which was formed from the former Isle of Man Residential Homes Association, has donated ?5,000 to the Mobile Family Library, which is run as a charity under the auspices of the Manx Educational Foundation.

The money will be used to buy more Playaway devices for the Mobile Family Library which wants to expand its collection of these expensive items.

Playaways are audio books which are pre loaded on to a portable MP3 device. They are made available to users and distributed by the Mobile Family Library as it travels around the Island daily – with 10 routes spread over a fortnight.

Sandra Henderson, Librarian in Charge of the Mobile Family Library, said: ‘We are very grateful to Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009) for this donation.

‘The Playaways have proven to be very popular. They are so good for users and can be tailored to their specific needs. You can even adjust the speed at which the audiobook plays.’

You can keep up to date with all the events at the Mobile Family Library and the Family Library by visiting the website familylibrary.im – including details of the timetable for the Mobile Family Library’s routes.

The Mobile Family Library has access to more than 36,000 books and also provides a Home Library Service for individuals who are unable to visit a library. It is based at the Family Library in Douglas and can be contacted on 640650.

Isle of Man Residential Homes Association was formed by act of Tynwald in 1948. It went on to run Cubbon House Residential Home in Douglas and Park Crest Residential Home in Ramsey.

In 2009, the Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009) was created. Following the closure of the two homes, the company has used outstanding money – including the proceeds from the sale of Cubbon House and the future sale of Park Crest – to assist causes that work towards the original aims of the association for the provision of help and assistance to the elderly and infirm.
 
Photo: Sandra Henderson demonstrates a Playaway device to Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009) Director Ella Slack and    Secretary John Christal.