WESTFIELD-Becky Blackburn, public services librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum, reminds city patrons that outreach services are offered free for persons unable to travel to the library.
“Whether you are recovering from surgery, lack transportation or some other reason, we will bring books, movies, music, and magazines to you,” said Blackburn.
Blackburn said the process for ordering library items is simple – start by calling the outreach librarian at (413) 568-7833, ext. 111.
“They will talk to you about what you like to read, or watch or listen to (or all three) to determine what and how much to bring you every month,” said Blackburn, adding that deliveries can be made once a month.
Westfield Athenaeum librarians deliver a variety of materials to city patrons unable to travel to the library. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“You can work with the librarian to personalize your order, we can get almost anything for you,” she said.
On delivery day, patrons receive a call noting a one-hour window that one’s order will arrive.
“You can leave anything you are ready to return in your delivery spot and the librarian will return it for you,” said Blackburn, adding it is a no-contact service. “If you would like to keep an item until the next month it will be renewed.”
Blackburn noted that patrons will not be charged overdue fines as a homebound patron, however, lost or damaged items will be charged to the patron.
For city residents who do not have a library card, the outreach librarian will fill out the application during the initial conversation and bring a new card to one’s first delivery. There is no fee to receive a library card.
“Patrons can request books, audiobooks, magazines, music CDs and DVDs,” said Blackburn, adding, “You are welcome to receive deliveries as long as you need or want them.”
For more information on all of the Athenaeum’s offerings, visit westath.org.
