By Janel Keizer

Programming and Senior Outreach librarian

The Library Delivers program at the Monroe Public Library started in January 2018. “Library Delivers” is the Monroe Public Library’s name for our homebound delivery service. The service brings library materials, such as books and magazines, to individuals in the City of Monroe who are unable to visit the library due to illness or injury.

We currently have over 20 active participants in the program and have room for more to join. This free service of the Monroe Public Library combines the dedication of volunteers with the resources of the South Central Library System to bring materials to Monroe residents.

A portion of the library’s mission states we are dedicated to enriching our community and enhancing the lives of its people through excellent service. The Library Delivers program is a perfect example of this mission being lived out in our community. People who have limited mobility due to illness or injury may feel isolated from their community, but this program allows them to read or listen about a world outside of their current environment.

Residents who are interested in receiving materials through this program only need to call the library. Through a short phone interview, we will be able to determine what type of materials the patron enjoys and which format will meet the patron’s needs. For example, one patron stated she has enjoyed books by Ann Rule, who is a true crime author. We were able to find many books that she was able to enjoy by that author. We also introduced some fiction mysteries into her reading list that we thought she might like. She loved them and had to read all 10 books in the series! 

If a patron is not sure of what kinds of books they enjoy, we will deliver a variety to them. When we pick up the materials, we will ask what they enjoyed and why they enjoyed it. From this information, we can branch out to other authors, genres and formats. 

Once a patron is verified as eligible for the Library Delivers program, our wonderful volunteers will deliver materials to their residence. These deliveries may go to Pleasant View Nursing Home, the patron’s apartment or house. Sometimes we follow a patron to any of those places. For example, one patron was receiving materials at home, but had a health concern and she needed the services of Pleasant View Nursing Home. We delivered materials to her at Pleasant View until she was able to go back to her home. We were delighted to keep her stocked with her favorite reading materials throughout her illness and recovery!

Many of our Library Delivers patrons enjoy our Large Print section. Large Print books offer many of the same titles as regular print books, but are easier to read for those with impaired vision. 

Large print titles are not typically found in stores and are expensive to order on their own. Our selection of large print and the availability of many different genres make them an exceedingly popular format. 

We also offer materials in audio formats. Many patrons enjoy books on CD. However, sometimes having access to a CD player or having to switch CDs while progressing through a book may be limiting for a patron to use this format. In this case, we refer patrons to our Playaway format. Playaways are a complete digital audio book the size of a deck of cards. The patron plugs in a headset or speakers and can listen to the entire book by using a few simple buttons. Volume and speaking speed are adjustable options on Playaways. Library Delivers volunteers or program staff will gladly show patrons how to use the Playaway.

The Library Delivers program has a dedicated core of volunteers who deliver materials to homebound patrons. Volunteers complete a vetting process to ensure they are positive representatives of the library. They must be reliable and confidential in their duties. We can always use more volunteers, so let us know if you are interested.

To qualify for the delivery service, patrons must reside in Monroe, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, or at other select nearby locations approved by staff. Patrons must have a valid library card and library staff can help interested people get a card. 

Patrons must also be homebound by an illness or injury that restricts their ability to leave home without a supportive device, special transportation or the assistance of another person.

Our goal is to ensure the people of our community continue to have access to materials throughout their lives. 

We are excited to match patron’s interests with the right materials and to deliver them to their doors. Please give us a call if you or a loved one would like to find out more about the Library Delivers program.

— Cover to Cover is provided by the Monroe Public Library and is published the fourth Wednesday of the month.