The popular service delivers a range of materials directly to residents of any age who, because of illness, disability or frailty, are unable to visit their local library. The service is also available to carers who have difficulty accessing libraries because of their caring responsibilities.
The delivery model for the Home Library Service was reviewed as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council's 10-year transformation strategy for the city's libraries, which aims to create a modern, vibrant and sustainable service, with the contract being awarded to Citizens Advice Wolverhampton earlier this year.
Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The Home Library Service is lifeline for local people, allowing them to continue reading and listening even though they can no longer visit their local library.
“Items are available from Wolverhampton's full library stock, and we are delighted to be partnering with Citizens Advice Wolverhampton to deliver this vital service to over 250 customers."
One of them is Albert Clinton, who is 92 and a big fan of cowboy films. He said: "I've been using the service for about two months and it has been excellent. I would recommend it to anyone if they want a supply of books to read or films to watch, and stuff you cannot watch on the television."
Citizens Advice Wolverhampton has been supporting people in the city since 1939. As well as delivering materials to library users, volunteers will also provide an onward referral service.
People with disabilities, health problems and caring responsibilities can experience financial problems, housing issues, loneliness and isolation, and can struggle to access services to help, and the volunteers are trained to notice issues that may indicate a deeper problem that they or another organisation can help with.
Helen Child, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Wolverhampton, said: “We are really delighted to deliver the Home Library Service. We know how vital the access to library materials can be to people who struggle to leave the house and we hope the friendly faces of our volunteers also bring the chance for a chat and access to other services if that’s what people want.”
Volunteer delivery driver Nigel Ormerod added: "We deliver books, DVDs, audiobooks and even jigsaws to people in the Wolverhampton area, and because we are part of the Citizens Advice Wolverhampton we can use our training to identify any other areas of need where customers may want help.”
To find out more about the Home Library Service or to volunteer for it, please contact Citizens Advice Wolverhampton on 01902 544702 or email homelibraryservice@wolverhamptoncitizensadvice.com.
