Can’t get to the library? Let the library come to you!

DID you know that Melksham Library could arrange for books to be delivered to you at home if you have problems getting to the library?

The Home Library Service is a free service for all residents in Wiltshire who want to read or listen to library books but can’t easily get to their local library, this could be due to disability, frailty, ill health or a short term need because of an operation.

Community library manager at Melksham Library, Karen Parkes said, “If someone wishes to use the service we go to meet them to see what type of books they like and  whether or not there are any times that they can’t have someone visit. We then match them with a volunteer and we would normally go with the volunteer on the first visit.  The client and the volunteer can then arrange mutually convenient times and days for delivery. The volunteer comes to the library to collect the books, they can either choose the books for the person they are visiting, or the library staff can get these ready for them to pick up.

“The service is free and the person who receives books by way of the Home Library Service is not subject to fines.

“If you are interested in volunteering, there is a process to go through which involves a meeting to discuss becoming a volunteer and if someone is suitable, they then have to have a DBS check and we also need to check their driving documents.  Presently, they do receive travelling expenses, they are paid per mile. They need to submit these with their VAT petrol receipt.”

For more information or to use the service, call Karen at Melksham Library on 01225 702039.