Manx Blind Welfare Society is appealing for the return of audio books missing from its library after it was discovered a number had been borrowed and not brought back.

A recent audit of the library at the Society’s headquarters in Onchan confirmed there should be more 4,500 audio books, on cassette tape and MP3 memory sticks, available for members to borrow.

However, the stocktake revealed that some books have been taken out and never returned.

Now the Society is appealing for any unreturned books to be brought back. The library does not apply late fees and no one’s ability to continue using the library will be affected.

Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘The library is one of most used services the Society offers to visually impaired people in the Island. There’s a wide range of new titles, best-sellers and classics to choose from, ensuring people can enjoy their favourite literature whatever the level of visual impairment they are living with.

‘During our recent audit we found some books had been borrowed and not brought back. It may be that people have forgotten and then been too embarrassed to return them many months later or, sadly, the person who borrowed the book may have passed away and their family have not realised where it came from.

‘Audio books can be expensive and as a charity which relies entirely on donations from the public to run our services we cannot afford to replace all the missing titles.’

She added: ‘That’s why we’re asking this month for these audio books to be returned. We are not asking for donations of new books, just that anyone who has forgotten to return a book, or finds one at home or among a relative or friends belongings, just drops it into Corrin Court. They won’t be charged any late fees and it won’t affect a member’s ability to continue borrowing; it will just ensure all the titles are there for all to enjoy.’

Audio books from Manx Blind Welfare Society are marked with a label featuring the Society’s name and address. They can be dropped into reception at Corrin Court between 9am and 5pm on any weekday.

Debbie added: ‘The library is an immensely useful resource for the hundreds of people with visual impairment in the Isle of Man. I hope our appeal will lead to many of the missing titles being returned.’

You can call 674727 or email enquiries@mbws.org.im for more information.

Photo - The library at Corrin Court in Onchan, headquarters of Manx Blind Welfare Society.