SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Public Library has created a new way for the community to indulge in their books, even if it means they don’t have to directly come to the library.
This year marks the first annual Books on the Go for the Homebound Program. As there are individuals for a number of reasons, who may not be able to physically make it to the library, this program gives them another opportunity.
“This is one way we can reach the people that can’t get here to the library,” said Southwick Public Library Director Diane Caruso. “I just wanted to think of a way so we can meet the needs of everybody in the community.”
The Books on the Go for the Homebound Program specifically allows Southwick residents who have either short term or long term disabilities to have items from the library delivered to their homes.
Several other events occur at the Southwick Public Library, including entertainment for young children. (WNG File Photo)
If you are also laid off for three weeks or temporarily disabled for three weeks or longer, you can also qualify to apply.
The clients are allowed to choose from a maximum of 10 items, ranging from books, books on cd’s, as well as cd’s with music. As long as the items are owned by the Southwick Public Library, an individual is allowed to pick which items he or she wants.
Before deciding which items to choose from, the person must fill out an application to be a customer of the program. If they do indeed qualify for either a short or long term disability, they will begin to receive their specific delivery every three weeks.
When clients do get their items delivered, they are receiving them from volunteers of the library. The program is currently set up where there are two volunteer-based delivery drivers who drive their own vehicle and make the proper deliveries every three weeks.
Tony Cioffi, one of the delivery drivers, has already seen the positive outcome of the program as he has already made a few deliveries in recent weeks.
“They can’t thank me enough,” said Cioffi. “They’re really pleased about it.”
Making the deliveries for this program isn’t the only important aspect as building a familiarity and a relationship with the customers is just as critical.
“Their faces grow when they see us now that they’re recognizing us,” said Cioffi.
As Caruso figures that a majority of the program’s clients will be the elderly, she is in the process of receiving funding from Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, Inc. If the funding was to go through, it would go towards large print books. Caruso expects a high circulation in large print books for the upcoming future and beyond.
“A lot of them (clients) find it easier to read the large print,” said Caruso.
With this brand new program on the rise, it has plenty of room to grow and reach out to those in need in the community. Caruso indicated that there have been around 20 applications so far.
Those numbers have the great potential of only going up and helping expand this program.
“The library likes to be like a community center,” said Caruso. “We service the whole community.”
