NORTHAMPTON — Continuing its longstanding efforts of meeting library users where they are, Forbes Library has relaunched its Library Home Delivery Service.
In partnership with Lilly Library, the service offers home delivery of books and other library resources on an ongoing and as-needed basis.
“We have offered different variations on a delivery service for the better part of 50 years. It’s something that the library has believed in in terms of helping people get access to library materials when they can’t get to the library. As early as the ’60s, we had a book-mobile service, which we would love to bring back some day, but we would go out and set up the book-mobile with a collection of material and let people borrow from different locations in the community,” explained Forbes Library Director Lisa Downing. “That was beloved.”
The initial service years ago would evolve into a staff delivery unit where library staff would deliver materials for people and that has been maintained and reorganized up to the present. Downing added that over the year’s, they have faced economic restraints on the program during tighter budgeting years, and it has suffered in terms of how much staff time can be put into it.
Still, the library has stayed committed to one of its core principles of helping bridge gaps for library lovers in the community with the reintroduction of the service.
“The latest announcement is a service — we have the homebound delivery service, ongoing delivery service. That’s intended for folks who are going to have a long term need, so, whether they’re homebound or have health or other considerations that make it difficult to get to the library on a long-term basis, we will assign them a volunteer and it’s a one-on-one relationship where the volunteer gets to know their interests and hand selects materials,” explained Downing. “They can also request particular materials. It’s not just books. Some people want DVDS, some are looking for accessible technology like audiobook players and magnifiers, so they’ll bring the materials and the things to help make it accessible for folks.”
Downing said the library is always accepting new patrons and those interested should reach out to learn more about the service.
“These are often people who have loved reading, love the library, but just aren’t able to get there,” Downing added. “What we’ve heard from caregivers is often they’re so busy just taking care of medical needs and other needs that the fact the library can lighten their burden and help provide this service, and frankly a friendship with the volunteer who’s coming to meet with them every three weeks or so, it’s something that they appreciate very much. We love that service and I’m so glad to be able to continue to offer it.”
Downing added curbside pickup and drop off services are still optional as well, and that it typically takes no more than “a few days” for deliveries to be made. Delivered items can also be returned via delivery by notifying the library.
“It’s a nice service and one that we want people to know about because often people aren’t going to pay attention to that until they find themselves in a position to need it. Whether that’s a surgery or some other torrent of events, that makes it helpful, so we really want to get the word out,” Downing said. It’s good to know for yourself but also thinking about the people in your life that might benefit from it. It’s only available to Northampton, Florence and Leeds because that’s our service area.”
Downing said those interested in volunteering are welcome to reach out to the library to get involved in the service.
“We rely on the generosity of people to come forward and we do provide training. People find it very satisfying,” said Downing.
Those interested or who might benefit from having library books and other materials delivered or picked up can reach out to the library by calling 413-587-1019 and leaving your name and phone number. There is also an online form available at forbeslibrary.org/accessibility/ongoing-delivery-service-patron-release.
“Access to library materials and library services of other kinds is one of our core values and part of our mission,” Downing added. “We really want the library to be as barrier-free as possible for everyone in the community to be able to take advantage of it. I think as people are sometimes having a difficult time now or in the future, we don’t want that to stop them from their love of reading, or their love of music or movies, or however it is that they connect with the library, because that provides so much mental stimulation, and just joy and we want to make sure people can continue to do that.”
