The Henry Bloom Noble Library has introduced an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) collection.

Developed in collaboration with the Manx Rainbow Association, the collection consists of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and young people by classic and contemporary authors including E.M Forster, Radclyffe Hall, David Levithan, Ali Smith, Colm Tobin, Jacqueline Wilson, Jeanette Winterson and Virginia Wolfe.

The Manx Rainbow Association’s Sam Hudson said: ‘It’s been a pleasure working with the library’s Jan Macartney and Sophie Mills to develop the new LGBT collection. We’re very impressed by the breadth of the range which features some excellent books. The collection will be a valuable resource for the LGBT community.’

Borough librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘February is LGBT History Month so we’ve been especially pleased to have had this opportunity to work with the Manx Rainbow Association when compiling our new LGBT collection. Expanding our offering with these titles complements the library’s role as a service Douglas Borough Council provides to the community in all its diversity.’

Chair of the Regeneration and Community Committee Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘Respecting diversity and equality is embedded in the Council’s code of conduct and, indeed, in its corporate plan. Introducing an LGBT collection will help to widen the library’s audience, promote greater understanding and celebrate the writing of some truly inspirational authors.’

The Henry Bloom Noble Library is at 8 Duke Street, Douglas. 696461.