United Way grant paves the road for visiting library program

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

The Strathmore Municipal Library is launching a new program to service the community outside of their library walls, thanks to a United Way of Calgary and Area fund.
With the help of the $4,000 contribution, those residents unable to visit the library due to a disability, injury, lack of transportation, or an illness, now have an option to take advantage of the library through their program Visiting Library, which was officially introduced last week.
“This program is going to allow us to bring the library right to their door,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director to library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“I couldn’t imagine being someone who was stuck in their home. I think this allows our library to become more engaged with our community and to be able to talk to our community members a little bit more outside the library. The benefit I see is for our library, but the biggest benefit I see is for the community members. Our main focus is service to our community and if this is one way that we can service the community that’s not able to come to the library, then that’s one of our best goals.”
The service, which is often known as Home-bound Services, differs from similar programs such as Paperbacks by Mail offered by the Marigold Library System, in that a volunteer visits a patron once a month, delivers and picks up materials, and works with them on selecting materials based on their interests. The program is free of charge, besides library membership costs. With the financial help, the library is able to pay for advertising, mileage, and some staff time. And while the program has potential of expanding, for now the service is specific to Strathmore residents.
“Given that we’re just getting started, we’re unable to offer it for Wheatland County,” Erison said.
“We hope to possibly expand this into the county as we see an increase in financial support and increase in volunteers.”
Currently, volunteers are still needed. Patrons can sign up by filling out an application form online www.strathmorelibrary.ca/visitinglibrary or by calling the library directly at 403-934-5440.