Library hosts Visiting Library Program
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Strathmore Municipal Library is highlighting its Visiting Library Program and the impact it makes for its clients to be able to have access to literature.
“What we do is we deliver books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, to people who are shut in or can’t or do not have transportation to come to the library,” said Lea Jensen, visiting library coordinator. “People who would not be able to get those kinds of books and materials through the library can now have them and it makes a difference in their lives because for some of them reading and watching movies are big things in their lives and they can’t get out or they have no transportation. This is made available for them.”
Jensen added there is also the impact for the client being visited by the person making the delivery.
“The person going, they do not just deliver the books. A lot of the time, they will have a little visit with the person that we are delivering books to,” she said.
The visitation often allows the client to feel more connected because there is someone coming to visit them to talk and to deliver literature and entertainment.
Jensen explained she and the other volunteers who make the deliveries often end up developing relationships and becoming close with the clients who benefit from the visiting library service.
The Visiting Library program has been operating in Strathmore for roughly nine years. In the fall, as the weather begins to cool and people start to prepare for winter, the library aims to raise awareness about the program for those who may need it.
“This is available, they can access it, and also some people do not have to worry about putting up with snow and ice to get their books if they happen to not be able to come to the library,” said Jensen. “It is not only seniors … there are also some young mothers who cannot get out of their homes because maybe they are a one-vehicle family and they have young children but they would like to have books and material for their children, so we can deliver to them.”
The service and membership to the library are both free of charge. For those who are unable to come in person, memberships can be set up through email or by calling the facility.