March is set to be another event-packed month at the Henry Bloom Noble Library, an ardent supporter of Island of Culture 2014, as it welcomes the world of books.

To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday March 6th, the library team will be holding a one-hour story time from 10 to 11am for pre-school children. The team will be reading extracts from children’s author David Melling’s latest Hugless Douglas book, looking at the new Hugless Douglas website – www.huglessdouglas.co.uk - and organising a range of activities. For this special event there’s no need to collect tickets in advance, just turn up and enjoy.

Next up will be a talk on Tuesday March 11th at 2.30pm by Pauline Mitchell who will trace the history of the Women’s Institute in the Isle of Man. The talk is in support of International Women’s Day on March 8th. Tea and cakes will be served and free tickets are available in advance from the library’s ground-floor counter.

Then on Wednesday March 19th at 7.30pm Maxine Cannon from Isle of Man Post Office will explain how new designs for its stamps and coins are selected. (The Post Office has produced a special Island of Culture stamp collection with designs by local artist Juan Moore). Tickets are free but must be collected in advance from the library’s ground floor counter.

Finally, on Tuesday March 25th at 7.30pm John Quirk, Manx Litfest festival director, will give a preview of what’s planned for this September event and how you can get involved. John will also be talking about some other literature-related schemes he’s hoping to launch.

Borough librarian Jan Macarney said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome John back to the library during our “World of Books” month and look forward to learning about the latest developments and initiatives from Manx Litfest that are doing so much to raise the Island’s cultural profile in this, the year of culture.’

In tandem with these events are three competitions with prizes to be won. On the first floor at the library will be an exhibition highlighting literature titles that have made it onto the big screen. There is also a classic fiction challenge asking how many titles you can recall from your school days. Quiz sheets and entry forms will be provided for both topics. Meanwhile children and young adults up to the age of 16 are being asked to design an alternative cover for their favourite book. Designs can be submitted in A5, A4 or A3 format and handed in at the library. Closing date for all competitions is Monday March 31st.

For more details visit the library at 10 Victoria Street, Douglas, or refer to the panel opposite.