Our team of part-time staff cover the library on a rota basis over 6 days a week.
Melanie Jones BA (Hons), PGDip
Left the island to study Information and Library Management at the Manchester Metropolitan University with a specialism in children’s services, working with public children’s and schools library services. Gained a further qualification in Electronic Information Management.
Spent a number of years working in London and the south east in a range of sectors including: local government information services, public libraries with responsibility for reference, information and local studies, sixth form and further education learning resources. Returned to the island as a higher education Learning Resources Manager. Appointed Head Librarian at Onchan Library in 2020 following a period of cover as Librarian.
Current priorities include: updating collections, development of the library management information system bringing library services online for public access, refurbishment and planning upgrade and development of children’s services, improved IT facilities and support.
Rebecca Anderson BA(Hons), MA
Rebecca's love for libraries and reading started at a young age as she regularly visited her local library with her mum while growing up in Scotland.
This love for reading and learning motivated her to attend the University of Glasgow where she graduated in 2018 with a degree in Philosophy, and stayed with her as she moved abroad to South Korea.
In South Korea, Rebecca taught at a secondary school gaining key skills and experience working with young people to promote literacy and independent reading.
On her return to the UK, Rebecca pursued a Master's Degree at Lancaster University, and also began working as a Library Assistant for Cumbria Libraries developing her skills as a Library Assistant, while utilising her experience working with young people and her extensive customer service skills.
Rebecca excitedly joined Onchan Library in September 2023. She thoroughly enjoys working in the library and believes it is important to continue to maintain and improve a library and information service to support the needs of the local community, which Onchan is fortunate to have.
Mike Peach
From a young age Mike always enjoyed reading and making stories for friends, family and anyone who would read them, and most Tuesday mornings can usually be found as our resident storyteller for little ones as part of our weekly story time. He has always enjoyed all forms of literature but has always firmly held a preference for Science Fiction and Fantasy. Mike enjoyed studying many classics as part of his College course in Literature and to this day still revisits the works of D.H. Lawrence on occasion.
While traveling Mike undertook volunteer work wherever he went, and is a strong supporter of local spirit and initiatives which connect communities. He counts the time he spent teaching English as part of an Adult Education course in Jakarta as one of his proudest accomplishments.
With a history in archiving, cataloguing, and data management, library work always appealed and seemed a good fit for Mike, and he has enjoyed getting to know the regulars and welcoming new faces to Onchan Library since joining the team in September 2023.
Mike lists Una McCormack, Isaac Asimov, and Haruki Murakami among his very favourite authors.
Rachel Liver
Rachel learnt to read on the lap of her Grandad, at the age of 4 and has been an avid reader since.
Before joining the Onchan Library team in February 2024, Rachel worked at The Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas gaining valuable experience in many aspects of public library work.
Rachel also works for Junior Achievement, working with young people in the Island's Primary Schools.
Rachel feels passionately about making sure everyone, particularly young people and children feel comfortable using the Library and enjoys being part of such a friendly and welcoming team.
As well as reading Rachel likes to exercise and is a keen walker.