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Program Brings Library To Homebound Patrons

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 27, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Homebound patrons now have the freedom to 'check out' offerings at the New Port Richey Public Library, courtesy of the Books by Mail for the Homebound program.

'This program is for those patrons who truly can no longer get out to the library and have no one to act on his/her behalf,' said Susan D. Dillinger, director of the New Port Richey Public Library.
Homebound individuals can apply by calling or e-mailing the library.

'We will then send out an application,' Dillinger said. 'Once the application is returned staff will process, send out a welcome packet and the first order of books.'

Once a patron's application is approved, he can call the circulation department and order up to three books, which are mailed with a postage-paid return envelope.

Book selections can be browsed online at www.nprlibrary.org.

So far, 19 people are enrolled in this program, funded through a portion of the host library's Florida State Aid to Libraries Grant Program dollars.

'Basically, the grant paid for the start-up costs of buying mailing bags, and it now pays for all the postage,' Dillinger said.

Ann Scott, events and outreach director at the New Port Richey Library, said the Books by Mail for the Homebound program is a valuable extension of the library's mission.

'As a public library, we're here to serve the public, by educating, entertaining and helping them,' said Scott, who lists this program in library press materials under the heading 'An Extra Hand: Helping Our Community Achieve the Greatness It Deserves.'

According to samples of thank-you notes sent by program patrons, the Books by Mail for the Homebound accomplishes this mission:

'Just a small thank you for the wonderful books in the mail service. It is such a blessing for those of us who can no longer get to the library.'

'Thank you so very much for all you do to ensure that I am able to continue the joy which reading affords me. Please extend my thanks to all who share in this wonderful endeavor.'

According to Dillinger, the Books by Mail for the Homebound program returns the joys of reading to patrons unable to visit the library.

'This program benefits our homebound patrons by bringing the library to them,' she said. 'Homebound persons suffer losses of so many things. Why should they lose out on something that is so precious as reading?'

BOOKS BY MAIL

SOME BACKGROUND: The Books by Mail for the Homebound program gives patrons confined to their homes the opportunity to check out library books through the mail.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: This program is offered free to qualifying applicants, thanks to a Florida State Aid to Libraries grant.

A LITTLE HISTORY: The New Port Richey Public Library's Books By Mail for the Homebound Program began in March 2006.

GET INVOLVED: For more about this program and how to participate, call the New Port Richey Public Library circulation department at (727) 853-1268 or visit www.nprlibrary.org.

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