Bequest enables homebound library service - 30/03/2011

A generous bequest from Josephine Duncan, a long-time supporter of the library, has enabled Wanganui District Library to partner with Age Concern Wanganui in developing a service for homebound residents of the district.

The bequest was made specifically for a homebound library service to be set up.

The service will benefit individuals who have difficulty visiting the library, whether due to temporary incapacity through illness or injury; disability; or because of age. The free service will provide access to all items that can be borrowed from the library including books, magazines and talking books. A librarian will select the items for the user, after consultation with them, and the items will be delivered by volunteers out into the community.

“The development of the homebound library service is a positive extension to our services in Wanganui,” says Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan, Chair of Wanganui District Council’s Community and Environment Committee.

“We have wanted to deliver this kind of service for a while and the bequest means we can start to train our volunteers and look at offering the homebound service from early May.

“Library staff are working with Age Concern to ensure our volunteers are appropriately trained and I’m sure this scheme will be a great addition to our superb community library services.”