Mildura Rural City Council Libraries is ramping up its free Home Library Service following two COVID-interrupted years.
Led by library staff and volunteers, the Home Library Service is available to all residents who have difficulty visiting their local library branch due to illness, frailty or disability.
The service is also available to those who are temporarily housebound due to an injury or following surgery.
The service is available to library members, with staff recording customers' reading preferences, favourite DVDs and audio books, before developing a profile to select materials that may be of interest.
Friendly volunteers and staff then exchange items on Monday mornings on a regular basis, direct to your door.
If you are living at home, a doctor's certificate is required before you can access the program. Nursing home residents automatically qualify for the Home Library Service.
Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said the Home Library Service was ultimately about connection.
"We saw throughout the COVID-19 pandemic how easy it was for people to feel isolated from their community, and from services they rely on – including their local library," Cr Healy said.
"While for many the easing of COVID restrictions has enabled them to get back to doing the things they love, there are those in our community who don't have that luxury.
"Signing up for our Home Library Service is very simple, and a great way to stay connected to the books, music and magazines you love.
"As someone who reads a book a week I would be devastated if I couldn't get my regular supply, due to illness, and am thrilled by this service that keeps our community connected to their library."
Those interested in finding out more about the service can contact the following Mildura Rural City Council Libraries branches:
• Merbein Library: 03 5018 8361
• Mildura and Irymple Library: 03 5018 8350
• Murrayville Library: 03 5018 8661
• Ouyen Library: 03 5018 8600
• Red Cliffs Library: 03 5018 8366
