Delivering books to homebound readers

Mercer County Library System’s homebound program delivers books to people who are either permanently or temporarily unable to leave their homes.

By: Dana Lynn Flatekval
   EAST WINDSOR — Township resident Pat Condon had no way to get to the library after she was involved in a minor car accident that left her temporarily homebound. But, thanks to the Mercer County Library System’s homebound program, she was able to keep on reading.
   "I desperately needed books," Ms. Condon, a resident of One Mile Road, said. "It (the program) saved my sanity while I was shut in."
   About three years ago the main Mercer County library branch in Lawrence began the program where volunteers get matched up with people who are either permanently or temporarily unable to leave their homes. Now, most of the branches have implemented the volunteer program.
   Five East Windsor volunteers are waiting to be paired with a homebound reader, or home borrower. Currently, there are two volunteers who are matched up with readers, Michelle Girard of Cranbury and Faith Corman of Ewing. Ms. Corman was a home borrower after a car accident, but became a volunteer delivery person.
   The idea was created in 1990 by employees at the Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library System.
   Marilyn Bass, volunteer coordinator for the Ocean County Library, said librarians and staff realized that many of their patrons were homebound. Staff at the Manchester Branch developed the program and began training volunteers. She said 20 branches of the Ocean County Library System have taken part in the program.
   Volunteers are matched with homebound people based on interests and geographic areas, Ms. Bass said. The volunteers work out a schedule with the reader, which usually ends up being once a week or a few times a month.
   "This seems to be one of the most rewarding programs," Ms. Bass said. "We are so honored that the Mercer Library System would pick up the homebound program. It’s so unique."
   Jennifer Worringer is the coordinator of Mercer County’s program and said her staff was upset that people who love to read were not able to read. This prompted the library to do something.
   Ms. Worringer said people who wish to volunteer and become a borrower fill out an application at their local branch. Similar to Ocean County’s program, the staff pairs a volunteer with a borrower based on interests and flexibility.
   Volunteers are given book titles based on the preference of the readers, as well as input from librarians. The volunteers can either use the card or the readers can put books on hold from home computers, Ms. Worringer noted.
   Ms. Bass said the program not only helps "the person stuck at home, but those who want to volunteer."
   She said the program goes beyond bringing materials to people who can’t go to the library. It also builds a foundation for friendships.
   "Typically, relationships form," Ms. Worringer said. "We are so proud of this program.
   "Initially, the staff had concerns about advertisement because we thought the library would be flooded with requests for volunteers, but it has been low. We are hoping to attract more people to the program, because it really is rewarding," she said.
   Ms. Girard, a volunteer out of the East Windsor library, said this has been a "great opportunity to give back to the community."
   "I am at the library so often that it wasn’t a bother to do this," Ms. Girard said. "It allows me to give someone who can’t get to the library that pleasure."
   Ms. Girard is the volunteer matched up with Kenneth Yates of Hightstown. Not only does she pick up and drop off books at his home, but she spends time with him as well.
   "Mr. Yates is such an avid reader," she said. "I can’t even keep up with him because he reads so fast.
   "This not only allows me to be a good Samaritan, but I actually gain something from this like beneficial discussion because Mr. Yates is an intelligent man," Ms. Girard said.
   Mr. Yates has had eight hospitalizations over the last year that have totaled over 90 days. He said due to fragile vertebrae he is homebound.
   "I couldn’t live without it (the homebound program) because I love to read," he said. "I read almost anything I can get my hands on and I am so thankful for Michelle (Ms. Girard)."
   Volunteers or homebound readers must be eligible for a library card. For more information, visit a local branch or call (609) 882-9246.