‘There aren’t many libraries you can visit in your slippers.’ – Wise words from one visitor to the library bus when we made a stop outside her rural home.

Hitching a ride for the day, I learned there’s more to this mobile service than the stacked shelves of books I was, deliciously, surrounded by as we trundled around the south of the Isle of Man. The bus – part of the Family Library local charity – is a real part of the community. We made twelve stops, parking alongside village greens, at nursery schools, outside sheltered housing, and in isolated areas. The team has down to a fine art an ability to stick to the timetable while also spending as long at each stop as those who come on board require.

It was a pleasure to spend the day with Rakie and Lionel from the Family Library service and to see two of my novels being borrowed. I’m sure this had nothing to do with the author being on board.

To find out more about the mobile library visit familylibrary.im/mobile