Future of Family Library remains uncertain following Tynwald debate

Tynwald members raise concerns over transparency and funding strategy

The future of the Family Library remains in doubt following a debate in Tynwald, as the charity faces closure at the end of July due to a reported funding shortfall of £100,000.

Having served the community for 14 years with community programmes and a mobile library service, the organisation has confirmed it will cease operations despite existing government support. 

This has included a subsidised building, fuel for the mobile service, and various Treasury grants.

In 2017, the charity received a lump sum of £250,000. A further five-year funding arrangement began in 2022, starting with £125,000 and tapering each year. 

A payment of £80,000 is set to be released in August, with a final instalment of £65,000 is due in 2026. 

However, directors argue that ongoing economic pressures have made the service unsustainable.

A JustGiving appeal has been launched, while Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher urged the government to intervene urgently to prevent closure.

The Tynwald debate was marked by strong opinions, with some members raising concerns about the library's governance and financial transparency.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge criticised the directors for a lack of openness, suggesting they are ‘holding the community hostage’ and waited too long to approach the government.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson proposed an amendment calling for urgent analysis of the charity’s financial situation and exploration of possible options ahead of October. 

The amendment was approved, though it did not include any new financial support.

Glenfaba and Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan described the directors' approach as politically strategic and warned of the potential precedent it might set for other charities operating on the Island.

With just over a month remaining, the charity’s future remains uncertain, and no additional funding has yet been committed.