Did you know the Library offers a “Books by Mail” delivery service available to our homebound residents who are unable to travel to the Library due to illness, disability or injury?
In 2009 the Pearl River Public Library along with other Rockland County Public libraries, organized a cooperative Homebound Book Delivery Service.
This is how the “Books by Mail” delivery program works. Homebound residents who are interested in the service are sent a questionnaire to complete about the types of reading materials they would like delivered. Once the form is returned to the Library, books are matched to the patron’s interests and are then checked out to them and mailed to their home in a reusable zippered canvass pouch. (There is a limit of two items per mail pouch -- DVD’s, music CD’s and new Fast/Express books not included in the program.) Return postage is pre-paid by LARC (the Library Association of Rockland County), a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the 17 public libraries of Rockland County. LARC reimburses the individual participating libraries for these costs.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Pearl River resident Connie Cunningham has been using the Homebound Service for some time now and finds it invaluable,
“I have always been an avid reader and I don’t have a TV so I am very grateful for this service,” Cunningham said.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Librarian Jim Cassetta, the coordinator of the program, is happy to connect with patrons that otherwise would not be able to partake in all of the wonderful materials available through the library.
“This is a segment of the population that was going un-served just because they physically could not get to the library," Cassetta said. "With the Homebound Program we are able to reach that many more members of our community. It’s a win/win for everyone!”
Currently only a small number of residents are taking advantage of the delivery program and the Library Trustees and staff would like to encourage anyone who is interested in this service or who may know of someone who would benefit from it -- a homebound relative or neighbor, perhaps — to contact the Library for more information at 845-735-4084.
