Government 'doesn't have capacity' to support Family Library

The charity is expected to close at the end of July

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) says it is unable to offer additional financial support to the Family Library, following the charity’s recent announcement that it intends to close later this year.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper raised the issue as an urgent question in Tynwald, stating that a number of constituents had contacted backbenchers to express concern and share how much they value the service.

The Family Library has told Manx Radio it currently has around 2,500 subscribers.

DESC RESPONSE

Education Minister Daphne Caine was absent from the sitting, meaning Departmental member MLC Paul Craine responded on her behalf.

He confirmed that both the minister and chief officer had recently met with a representative of the charity.

During that meeting, the Family Library requested additional financial support, which DESC says it is unable to provide due to budgetary limitations.

On behalf of the DESC, Mr Craine also confirmed it does not have the physical or staffing capacity to take over the running of the Family Library, and while it recognises the value the service brings to the community – including the elderly – it is not a statutory responsibility for the department to manage or fund it:

No social impact assessment has been carried out in anticipation of the closure, which DESC said was outside the scope of its role.

'UNWILLINGNESS' TO HELP

That's something the mover of today's urgent question, Mr Hooper, critiqued:

FUNDING

In a separate statement, Treasury confirmed it had not been approached by the directors of the Family Library prior to or since the closure announcement.

It added that significant funding had been provided in recent years: £100,000 following a 2017 Tynwald motion, £138,500 in 2019/20, and a five-year funding agreement agreed in 2022 under which £330,000 has already been paid.

A further £80,000 is due to be paid this August and £65,000 next year.

It’s unclear if the Family Library will accept the remaining funds after ceasing its services.

The Family Library, which has served the Island for 14 years, has said it is no longer financially viable and is expected to close from the end of July.