The Manx Family Community Association was first registered as the IBW Association in the Isle of Man in 2013. Our founding objective was to promote tolerance of people irrespective of colour, creed, religion, disability or social differences through the arts, culture and sport.
In August 2025, we took on the opportunity to support the services provided from Nobles Hall by a former charity, with the help of the Attorney General's Office and the Companies Registry. Today the Manx Family Centre operates from Nobles Hall on Westmoreland Road in Douglas, serving every parish on the island with library services, family activities, a Mobile Library, Home Delivery Service, and the Treasured Memories reminiscence programme.
From the Family Library to the Family Centre
-
2013
IBW Association Founded
The charity is registered in the Isle of Man with a mission to promote tolerance and inclusion through arts, culture and sport.
-
The IBWA Years
Seminars & Community Partnerships
IBWA held seminars and worked closely with the UN Association of the Isle of Man, the One World Centre and the island's art and music community, promoting its ethic of tolerance and diversity.
-
August 2025
A New Chapter Begins
The Association takes over services at Nobles Hall with the support of the Manx community and Government, preserving vital community services.
-
Today
The Manx Family Centre
Operating from Nobles Hall, Douglas, with services across every parish, from library access and family activities to home delivery and community space hire.
I know nothing of hatred, intolerance, racism, sexism, bigotry, indoctrination, homophobia and prejudice.
I do not yet understand things like love, compassion, integrity, tolerance, human decency and truth.
For the first, most important formative years of my life, all I will know is what you teach me.
Choose well.
The Drinking Dragon
Off the southeast corner of the Calf of Man stands a sea arch the Manx know as the Drinking Dragon, its head bowed to the water. It is also called the Burroo, from the Manx for a berg, though some take it to mean a fortress. The sea cut it out of the rock over thousands of years, and it has weathered every storm the Irish Sea has thrown at it since. Still standing, still recognisably itself.
The old stories give it a longer history. Some say a dragon was turned to stone there. Others tell of a fisherman caught in a storm whose boat was carried to calm water beside it, and who never passed it again without throwing a coin into the sea.
We keep it close to our story for that reason. Communities endure the same way: not by avoiding the weather, but by holding their shape through it.
A UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner
The whole of the Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere, one of the few places in the world where that designation covers an entire nation. We are proud to partner the programme, which brings Island organisations together around a sustainable future for people and for the rest of nature. Our libraries, family activities and community work are part of that effort.
What We Believe
We believe every person on the Isle of Man deserves access to books, learning, activities and community connection. Everything we do is built around making that happen.
What We Stand For
-
Inclusivity
We celebrate diversity and welcome everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.
-
Empowerment
We believe in supporting individuals and families to achieve their potential.
-
Community Spirit
We foster cooperation, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
-
Compassion
We provide caring, confidential support to those in need.
-
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability and respect.
And so the adventure continues
Come and be part of the next chapter. There are many ways to get involved.
Visit Us