Dunedin Public Libraries' housebound service is available to anyone living in the Dunedin City area who can't visit a library or Bookbus due to an impairment, limited mobility, or illness.
Launched in 1979, it's a free service for area ratepayers.
Items that can be borrowed include books (including large print), magazines, talking books (CD or cassette), music cassettes, CDs and DVDs.
These are chosen by library staff after consultation about reading tastes with service users. Volunteers deliver the books fortnightly or monthly.
All housebound service volunteers undergo a Police check.
Growing demand for the service has prompted Dunedin Public Libraries to investigate developing its own courier service for 10-15 hours a week.
This would be useful for those recuperating from surgery, on hospital waiting lists, or who are temporarily unwell, says spokesperson Debbie Lancaster Gordon.
Neighbourhood Bookbus services are another way housebound bags are delivered.
Bookbus staff have a special relationship with their regular customers and are the ‘eyes and ears' of the suburbs they visit.
Currently several hundred people receive housebound bags, says Debbie. Over 80% of these are over the age of 65.
Many elderly people are reluctant to ask for help and often the housebound service contacts them after an approach by friends or family.
Dunedin people living in rest homes can also receive monthly deliveries of library items.
Other public libraries throughout New Zealand offer similar housebound services. To inquire, ring your local library.
Contact Debbie for information about the Dunedin service, (03) 474 3681. Or learn more online at www.dunedinlibraries.com
