Wagga Wagga City Library is encouraging residents who find it difficult to get into the Civic Centre to borrow books to sign up to its Home Library Service.
Manager Library Services Claire Campbell said the volunteer-based service is an initiative of Wagga Wagga City Library and Friends of the Library.
“The Home Library Service brings the library to your door when you’re unable to visit in person,” Ms Campbell said.
“Our Home Library members include older residents who can no longer drive or carry heavy books, as well as people who’ve just come out of hospital and have a temporary access issue while they recover.”
The library is also seeking new Home Library volunteers to help deliver large print books, audio books and DVDs to members of the community.
Deliveries are made monthly by a library volunteer who has undergone volunteer training and had a police check.
“You will need your own car and be able to carry the books in supplied bags. Volunteers select the books according to the member’s preference,” Ms Campbell said.
“Many wonderful friendships have developed between the members and volunteers in the Home Library Service.”
Wagga Wagga resident Anne Brassil started using the Home Library Service at the end of 2018.
“I’ve always been a voracious reader, but arthritis was making it too difficult to reach books on the bottom shelves,” Mrs Brassil said.
“I signed up for the Home Library Service and Lindy Tribe was the volunteer who first dropped in my books and she’s been delivering them to me ever since.
“I think anybody who likes to read but finds it difficult to get to the library or access the books there, would benefit from this service.”
Another popular program at the library is Language Café, the English Conversation classes which are held three times per week.
There are currently vacancies for learners on Wednesday mornings at the session that runs from 11am–12.30pm.
“If you know someone who would like to improve their English language skills and meet new people, please ask them to contact the library,” Ms Campbell said.
“Currently there is a waiting list to become a Language Café volunteer tutor, but people are also welcome to add their name to this waiting list. The library will be holding an information session for those on the volunteer list after Easter.”
