The team at Latrobe Libraries is taking books – hard copy and audio – and more to the people.
The libraries’ Books We Like program brings together Library members residing in aged care facilities serviced by the Moe Library. They unite for a reader’s discussion group – a chat about a good book.
Library staff take new items to aged care facilities to stimulate discussion over morning or afternoon tea, four times a year. Each of these members have a reading profile, developed with Latrobe City Libraries to match their reading preferences and to increase reading enjoyment.
“This is an innovative way of library staff and volunteers interacting with people who are typically unable to attend libraries but still love to read or listen to books,” Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said.
“By taking books to the residents, we are able to broaden the variety of reading material they borrow and also extend our library collection based on the residents’ suggestions.”
It’s not all about books, either. The visiting library staff and volunteers also provide social contact for residents.
“This connection through conversation provides enjoyable social benefits for the mental health of the clients, as well as the library staff and volunteers. It’s truly benefiting the whole community,” Cr Gibson said.
For 34 years, the Home Library Service has been providing books to residents of aged care homes and elderly people still living at home.
Last year the service was broadened to cover people unable to attend the library due to COVID-19 restrictions and other difficulties.
The Home Library Service provides the same level of service and choice of materials to library members in care as to those who attend the library in person.
The Home Library Service caters for approximately 16 clients at the Latrobe Valley Village, Japara Narracan Gardens and Querencia Village aged care facilities, and 21 clients who are living at home, all in the Moe area.
Aged care facilities receive an average of 41 items per fortnight, while an average of 207 items per fortnight are distributed to Home Library Service members.
Members love the service, with their comments including:
“The talking books are a lifeline given I cannot read now.”
“I look forward to trying the suggestions of new authors and looking through the new items.”