DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The Dubuque library plans to start a service delivering books and other material to people unable to leave their homes.
The Telegraph Herald reports that Carnegie-Stout Public Library officials hope to launch the service in July.
Library staff say the program will give access to library resources and provide enrichment to people who need it.
“Once you’ve lost your ability to provide your own transportation to be able to get out of your home, I think there’s an isolating factor there, and I like the idea that people don’t have to feel so isolated anymore,” said Michelle Oberhoffer, circulation manager.
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Irene Raby said she plans to use the service following knee surgeries that will likely make it difficult for her to leave her home.
“If I had a really good book, I could get distracted from the pain,” the 77-year-old said.
The service will have three-week checkout periods, said Susan Henricks, the library’s director. Books, audio books and CDs will be eligible for the service, she said.
Participants will complete an application including information about what they like to read so library staff can make recommendations.
The program’s scope will depend on how many people volunteer to staff it, Henricks said. Officials plan to start advertising the program and seeking volunteers this week.
“If we had a volunteer and we had someone interested, we would start immediately,” Henricks said.
The library currently provides bulk loans to more than a dozen nursing homes and residential care facilities, as well as the state correctional facility.
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Information from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com