Islanders with a disability or illness who are unable to get to their local library branch can have the joy of reading delivered directly to their own homes thanks to the new Home Library Service, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island recognizes the important role libraries play in promoting literacy and delivering services in communities across our province. Investing in programs such as this help foster a life-long love of reading,” said the minister.
The program is a partnership between the Prince Edward Island Public Library Service and the Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat, which provided a one-time grant to the project.
“The Home Library Service project will allow Island seniors and Islanders with mobility issues to enjoy library services without having to leave the comfort of their homes,” said Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie E. Docherty.
The service delivers books, CDs, DVDs and talking books from the Prince Edward Island Public Library Service’s extensive collection directly to Islanders. Library materials will be selected and checked out by branch employees and delivered every six weeks.
The Home Library Service is available to anyone with a disability that prevents them from visiting the library regularly, whether it’s a physical or visual disability, or if an individual is recovering from surgery or illness. The service is available to Islanders, regardless of age.
The materials will be delivered by community volunteers. Any Islanders interested in volunteering should speak to their local branch librarian.
The pilot project will include seven library branches – Abram-Village, Summerside, O’Leary, Stratford, Kensington, Charlottetown and Montague – with the aim of expanding the service to all public library branches.
The program complements the Community Care Facility Delivery Service, which provides large-print books, DVDs and audiobooks to residents across Prince Edward Island.
Link: library.pe.ca