Back on the Road with the Library’s Mobile Services
Posted on September 9, 2020
by Franco V
Visiting friends, going to a restaurant, stepping outside your front door – all of this just feels odd during the COVID pandemic. Like many institutions, the Library has had to adapt, which is why you see mask-wearing and other safety measures when you visit any of our buildings. But the Library also has a little known secret…our Mobile Services team brings the Library to you through safe, innovative, on-the-go services.
The Bookmobile
The Bookmobile is like your favorite Library branch, but on wheels, so we can basically go anywhere. While we would normally welcome you on board, we’ve adapted our Bookmobile stops into an open air set-up. Come see us to pick up requested items or browse our collection. It’s just like visiting your favorite Library branch, except outside and on the road. Of course, please still wear your mask when you visit. You can see if we have any stops near you by checking out our current schedule.
Homebound Services
Pandemic or not, some people are unable to visit the Library and we have a solution: delivering right to your door. If you are homebound, submit an application for this service and we’ll get in touch to discuss details and eligibility. And while normally we’d knock on your door and maybe stop for a chat, we’ve changed this service to be safe and no-contact given the circumstances of COVID-19.
Visits to Senior Residential and Healthcare Facilities
Retirement homes, independent living, rehabilitation facilities – the Library goes to all of these places too! We have a slate of current facilities we visit, delivering requested items and sometimes selecting items for residents based upon their interests. We’ve also adapted this service. Usually we would stop at a facility, stay for an hour or so to allow people to browse and simply use this pop-up Library, but we’re now operating in delivery-only mode to minimize contact while still providing top-notch Library service. If you live or work at a senior residential or healthcare facility that we don’t already visit, let us know and we’ll see about getting your location into the mix.
Child Care Delivery
While many of our on-the-go services focus on getting adults the books and materials they need, kids need the Library too! For kids in day cares, preschools, and other community youth programs, we have a collection of child care kits – collections of 15 or so books – that can be used to give kids access to books during times they aren’t at home or at the Library. We’ll even get you on a regular rotation to swap kits out and bring new books every month. If you work at a day care, preschool, or other similar program and are interested in having us bring items to you, fill out an application and we’ll be in touch.
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