Published on:
07
November 2011
Libraries throughout Clackmannanshire are looking for more volunteers to help meet the growing demand for their special home delivery book service.
The Housebound Library Service, which has been running for over 30 years, is free to residents who find it difficult to get out of their homes and visit the library without assistance.
With around 500 books currently being delivered every month, Clackmannanshire Council is hoping that more volunteers will open a new chapter in their lives and get involved.
Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Bobby McGill, explained, "Book borrowing is still very important to many of our older residents and we are very keen to ensure that their mobility or home circumstances don't start to affect their access to books and their enjoyment of reading.
"There are 23 volunteers currently giving two or three days a month to help with deliveries, but the popularity of the housebound service means that we can always benefit from more assistance."
One avid reader, who enjoys nothing better than a good crime novel by Ian Rankin, Quintin Jardine or Alex Gray, and who has been using the housebound service for the last three years, is 83-year-old Jean McInally from Fishcross. She comments, "I don't get out and about as much as I used to and, as a keen reader, it is wonderful to have the books delivered to and collected from home.
"I like a good saga, and after reading Downton Abbey, I'm now enjoying the television series."
Volunteer Margaret Marr, who often visits Mrs McInally, has been involved for 15 years. She explains, "I started following my own illness and I know how important the visits and deliveries can be for many elderly people. It's very rewarding to be able to give something back to the local community."
Volunteer visits and deliveries are made once or twice a month, with readers able to choose their reading material in normal or large print, or talking books on CD.
The Housebound Library Service covers Alloa, Alva, Clackmannan, Coalsnaughton, Dollar Fishcross, Sauchie, Tillicoultry and Tullibody. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible and wants to sign up for the service, or anyone wishing to become a volunteer to help deliver books, should contact Alloa Library on tel: 01259 722262.