Books, Books Books!

One of our readers, Zanne Aram can't imagine life without books. If you find it hard to get to the library, maybe the library can come to you!

Do you read? If not, why not?

Just to visit the library is great excitement to me, to see rows and rows of books standing tall and almost calling out to me to read them. For many, many years I have kept a diary of every book I have read. each year I review the number of books I have enjoyed within that time, a practice that even informed me when my sight began to decline.

I meet so many people in the stories: nice people, jolly people, nasty people, people of all shapes and forms, those who are smart and dumb, characters with interesting lives and futures. It is all so enlightening! I can even recognise myself in the characters at times!

How can people live without reading? I guess, like everything, those who never read books do not miss it, but I would be absolutely at a loss without my books.

I have read one book 27 times! I lost it in 1940 and finally found it again in 2008. I tried to trace it during my travels around the world and eventually, after all those years, it turned up.

I think those who write books are clever. It takes hard work, constancy, patience, and a love of words. I should know: it has taken 20 years of love and perseverance to complete mine!

Years ago I was sitting on some steps talking with one of my grandchildren, and we had this conversation about books. At 10 years of age my grandson said, "Lahla, why don't you write a book?"

Obviously he thought I was bright enough to do it. I said, "I might just do that, Jason." And I did!

Here I am at nearly 90, and the book in question is nearly complete. There will be two volumes, 1 and 2, with one for each child and grandchild when I die.

I have almost completed my task. I had to wait for the last great-grandchild to be born, so to be entered into the last volume.

By Zanne Aram


Special services

If you or someone you support enjoys reading, but can't easily get out and about, talk to your local library.
Many now offer mobile services for housebound people, or can suggest ways to make it easier for you to access books (including large print and audio versions), as well as movies, music, even puzzles and works of art that can be ‘checked out' to enjoy at home.

Helen Hennessey, executive director of the Association of Public Library Managers Inc, says libraries offer varying services across New Zealand. She suggests phoning your local library to ask what is available to help those with mobility needs in your area.

"Public libraries strive to meet the needs of their communities, and will be as responsive and helpful as possible to answer questions or assist with special requests.

"The websites of bigger libraries usually include information especially for those with disability needs, she says.

Following are examples of special library services available in some areas.

Wellington

Wellington City Libraries has many services for those with mobility needs. All library branches are wheelchair accessible, and many also have disability car parks. There is a housebound service for those who are permanently housebound, where librarians find and deliver books to your home. Access to library catalogues and databases is available from home computers, and for those who aren't housebound, but feel they cannot physically visit a library, a courier service is available. Downloadable books allow members to borrow items via the Internet without charge, and without needing to visit a physical building. In addition, Wellington City Libraries provides special services and discounts for those with sight and hearing impairments. These include technology as well as customer service.

To learn more visit www.wcl.govt.nz/about/services/disability.html

Hastings District

Libraries in the Hastings area offer:

  • A range of stock for those who are hearing and vision impaired (such as large print and audio books).
  • Volunteer couriers who take material to members who can't themselves visit the library due to health or access issues.
  • Bulk book loans to local rest homes.
  • Privileged plus membership to give flexibility on issue periods (so there will be no overdue charges, for example).
  • Online book and service discussion groups via Facebook etc.
  • Get well bags of books for those who are ill or recovering.
  • Support for local clubs and special interest groups about specific topics (gluten free diets, for example), plus meeting space and resources.

Rotorua

The Rotorua District Mobile library operates throughout district council areas, visiting suburban locations, shopping centres, large workplaces, playcentres, retirement homes, rural schools, and rural communities. The bus carries a selection from most of the collections held in the main library: large print fiction and nonfiction, talking books for adults and children (in cassette, CD, and playaway formats), DVDs, music CDs, magazines, teen and Maori language books, and children's toys and jigsaws. The bus has wireless Internet capability through which the library catalogue can be accessed for enquiries, and requests to hold books. The mobile librarian can place reserves and bring items as requested. To learn more, contact the library, collect a timetable from the bus, or visit www.rotorualibrary.govt.nz Mobile outreach services offered in the Rotorua area include delivery of pre-requested books to housebound residents, and promotional visits to retirement homes, rest homes, and groups interested in local library services.