Give a library card this Christmas

Christmas cards promoting library membership and giving access to millions of free books and other library services are being offered across the Island this festive season.

Throughout December residents can pop into any Isle of Wight Council-run library and pick up a free Christmas card packed with information about all the services offered with library membership, as well as a library card ready to activate.

All you need to do is decide who to write and send the card to!

Louise Emery, outreach librarian, said: "We really hope people will take advantage of this scheme to share everything they love about their library membership with their friends and family, because a library card really is the gift that keeps on giving all year round.

"If you have someone on your Christmas list who’s impossible to buy for, then give them a library card this Christmas and rest-assured they won’t be disappointed.

"For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, but still wish to send a card to someone to share information about library services, we can provide an alternative note card, they just need to ask a member of staff."

Library membership gives access to free books, eBooks and eAudiobooks, plus eMagazine and eNewspaper  downloads as well as a range of other wonderful services.

Stocks of the Christmas cards are limited.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: "We know so many of our users love the experience they have in our libraries, so why not share it? And with the cost of living increasing, many will be looking for alternative gifts this year.

"Pop it in a stocking as a filler, or inside a book, or if you’re buying someone a device you can include the card which will, once registered, give them access to our entire digital library."

Visit the library website to find out more about all the services and activities that the library service has to offer this festive season and throughout the year.

New visitors can get involved today by signing up for a library card and keep up to date with the latest news and updates, by following the library service at @IWLibraries on Facebook.

Photo: Getty Images