The Family Library’s Summer Reading Scheme got underway on Saturday (27th June) and you would have to be as mad as a Hatter to miss it!

This year’s scheme is on a Wonderland theme and a summer of events is being prepared for the young library users.

Librarian in charge Mary Cousins said: ‘We are very excited about the theme this year and hope that it will be a lot of fun.

‘We have lots of workshops and events lined up for the summer, including Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties during the scheme.’

Taking the setting of the Lewis Carroll classic tales as the theme for tied-in events, participants in the reading scheme will once more be set the target of reading six books over the school holidays, while associated games will be staged to keep everyone interested.

‘The reading scheme has become a big part of the summer for many families,’ said Mary. ‘It is something that parents can enjoy as much as the children and hopefully it will help to open up a whole new world of books for those taking part.’

The library, next to the children’s playground, in Westmoreland Road, Douglas, is open today from 10.30am-4pm for the launch and you can pop in and register for the scheme, which is being run with support from the Isle of Man Arts Council.

The Family Library is run as a charity and is raising funds to cover its operating costs. It is suggesting a donation of ?5, for those who can afford it, to take part.

There is no need to worry if you are unable to make it down today to register, however, as you can still do so afterwards, either by popping into the library on another day or by calling 640650.

Alternatively, pay a visit to the website www.familylibrary.im.

You can keep up to date with the latest events by visiting the Family Library page on Facebook.