Library spreading the word by mail

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Library books can be as close as your mailbox.

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library has expanded its service to outlying residents in the district and has the stamps to prove it.

Wendy Kearns, coordinator of the Books By Mail program, a free outreach service that delivers library books to housebound readers is hoping to pick-up new customers this year.

More than 40 people are already enrolled in the program, but Kearns said she hopes to expand the service to all eligible residents in the region.

To qualify, residents must live more than 10 kilometres from a branch of the public library, or be physically unable to visit one. Seniors, caregivers, and those rehabilitating from illnesses often qualify for the outreach service.

People who don’t drive, or lack regular access to transportation services such as public transit, are also possible candidates.

"It's another outreach service we're providing to ensure rural residents have access to library service," she said. "The library is now as close as your mailbox and the only limit to the number of books you can order is the size of your mailbox."

Special arrangements can be made to pick-up larger book orders at the post office. The books are checked out and sent through the library headquarters in Bridgetown, but a toll-free number is provided for clients.

This free service is offered to those areas in Annapolis, Kings and West Hants already served by the Bookmobile.

The books are delivered to the mailbox, with return postage already paid. There are no overdue fees for late books, however no new books will be sent until the late books are returned.

The program was launched in September 2007, and is proving successful and she hopes it will eventually reach all eligible residents in the district. Overall people are happy with the service's convenience and users vary.

"I have some clients who can read 10 hard cover novels in two weeks, others maybe a few every month," she said. "Anyone can request any book, or choose from the monthly lists."

The lists are mailed out, or are available online at the library website. The service is also ideal for stay-at-home moms who are home schooling their children, and students of all grades.

"We have a huge collection of educational books,” she added. Specialty booklists are also generated and include such diverse topics such as the environment, weddings, gardening, diabetes, genealogy, and bullying.

It's simple to join, and is open to all card-carrying members of the library who fit the criteria, she said.

For further information, call Wendy Kearnes at 1-866-922-0229, or email booksbymail@nsar.library.ns.ca, or follow the link at www.valleylibrary.ca