Service Point 93.pdf - CILIP

14
Library Service at Home –
more than just books!
Christine Tootill of Worcestershire Library
Service sent me the following article,
written by Sharron Jarvis.
Worcestershire’s Library Service at Home has been up and running
since December 2003, during which time the number of borrowers it
serves has steadily grown to over 200. The Library Service at Home,
which covers the more rural areas of the county, offers a free service
to all residents of Worcestershire who are unable to visit a branch or
mobile library because of frailty, a disability or long term illness, which
normally confines them to their home.
Books, audio book tapes, videos and jigsaws are delivered direct to
readers at home every four weeks. The service has a specially designed
mobile library which allows those readers who are a little more able a
chance to browse and choose for themselves, free from the worry about
how to carry the heavy books home. As well as being a highly rewarding
job – often being the only visitor a housebound person will get that
day, week or even month. Being the Library Service at Home driver is
also a highly varied job – from answering information enquiries on a
wide range of subjects from practical help to quiz questions, to sewing
on the odd button, filling a bird feeder with nuts or changing a fuse in
a plug. However, one of the most satisfying aspects of a visit for the
readers is undoubtedly the chance to have a chat with someone.
Library Service at Home – more than just books!