THE people behind the rescue package which it is hoped will save the closure-threatened Family and Mobile Libraries have spoken for the first time about their proposals.
The Manx Educational Foundation (MEF), a not-for-profit organisation set up last year to encourage public-private partnerships in the field of education, has announced it has reached a ‘provisional agreement’ with the Department of Education and Children after weeks of planning.
It comes after Education Minister Peter Karran MHK revealed in the House of Keys last week his department had ‘potentially already obtained sources of funding and development’ to give the libraries service a ‘sustainable future’.
Online gaming company PokerStars has committed to fund the libraries for three years to safeguard all employees and maintain the current level of service and fee structure. It will not provide any sort of branding or presence in the libraries.
MEF executive director David Butterworth said: ‘Obviously these are austere times and the need to balance the public finances is a serious one. However, it would be a significant blow to the education of our youth to lose the libraries, as literacy is an essential skill in any industry.
‘As such, we are pleased that PokerStars has stepped up and committed to save these services.’
Mr Butterworth added: ‘Public-private partnerships are an essential part of community cohesion and key to the success of the Isle of Man in a difficult international financial situation.
‘I would encourage more local companies to take part in supporting essential public services.’
He said the deal was in its early stages, and was subject to due diligence.
The cost of the support for the libraries are being finalised but the department has previously said it cost them £230,000 to run between them.
Mr Karran announced in February that, following budgets cuts, the Mobile Library and the Family Library on Westmoreland Road in Douglas were earmarked for closure.
The closure plan prompted demonstrations outside the Legislative Buildings and the Family Library as well as petitions – one with more than 2,000 signatures.
A Council of Ministers working party was set up last month to see if the services could continue.
Age Concern also offered to fund the libraries, using money from a legacy.
Speaking on Friday, Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: ‘In normal times, closure of libraries and changes in the structure of pre-school education are things we would not ordinarily look at but in the current financial situation, we have no choice.’