Over 8,000 books delivered by home library service during pandemic
02/02/2021
Volunteers take books to those who are frail, infirm or a have a disability
Book worms of all ages have been able to continue enjoying a good read during the pandemic, thanks to Oxfordshire’s home library service. 8,364 library books were delivered between April and December last year.
Oxfordshire County Council’s home library service is offered free in partnership with Age UK. The service is available to people who are unable to visit libraries themselves through frailty, infirmity or a disability and who have no other means of getting access to loaned products. It is also available to full-time carers and those who might need the service in the short-term following illness or hospitalisation.
The home library service is currently offered to almost 800 people of all ages.
Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet Member for Education and Cultural Services, said: “The home library service has continued to play a vital role during the pandemic for those who cannot access libraries with books and other cultural resources provided by the council.
The service depends on a team of around 180 volunteers who supply the users with loan items on visits every three weeks. The service matches its volunteers carefully to specific residents to allow the same volunteer to visit each time. During the pandemic the number of volunteers has dropped linked to the impacts of COVID-19.
Councillor Lindsay-Gale said: “As well as council staff, I would like to thank the dedication of our team of staff and volunteers who keep this service running and offer a very valuable resource to our residents who may otherwise be isolated.
“The home library service is about far more than books; it offers real and meaningful connections with residents whose needs may otherwise go unnoticed. Wherever you may live in Oxfordshire, the service would welcome new volunteers to help keep up the good work.”
Home visits are supported by COVID-19 safety measures with staff wearing face coverings, gloves and/or hand sanitiser and remaining at least two metres at all times from customers to keep people safe. All items collected are quarantined for 72 hours before being allowed back into the library.
Anyone able to volunteer to help with the service, or wishing to find out more, can email [email protected] or call 01865 810259.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
