Date: Fri 18-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: JAN

Quick Words:

Books-Wheels-Armstrong

Full Text:

Library program brings books to homebound

(with photo)

BY JAN HOWARD

Somewhere in Newtown there are residents who love to read but are unable to

get to the library because they are convalescing from surgery, or have

longterm illnesses or restricted mobility.

These residents can still indulge in their favorite pasttime through a program

sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library.

The Books on Wheels program was begun in 1996, but was on hiatus during the

construction of the addition to the library. It was reinstituted in January

when the library reopened.

The program is "under used," coordinator Maureen Armstrong said.

The library is hoping that, with more publicity about the program, it will

become better known and, therefore, more utilized.

"We would like to make it available to other people," Mrs Armstrong said. "I

know there are people out there who like to read who could take advantage of

our Books on Wheels and Talking Books programs."

However, even if the program only reaches a few people, "We're happy to be

doing that," she said.

"This is a very informal program," Mrs Armstrong said, adding that former

Friends of the Library Chairman Marian Wood "got us organized in January. She

did great publicity for this.

"She likes to make good things happen," she said of Mrs Wood.

Fliers about the Books on Wheels program went out to Nunnawauk Meadows, the

Senior Center, doctors' offices and the social services director as well as to

Meals on Wheels and FISH (Friends in Service Here) drivers.

Mrs Wood said the program was begun because residents Gordon Williams, then

chairman of the library board of directors, and Ruby Johnson, a library

volunteer, knew of housebound neighbors and friends who would use the service.

Mrs Johnson said a neighbor told her about an informal version of the program

that had been offered several years ago.

"I thought we could do this again. I mentioned it to Marian Wood, and she

organized it," she said.

Mrs Johnson still volunteers as one of the drivers for the program.

Mrs Wood said, "I was president of the Friends of the Library at the time, but

I was just a facilitator.

"This is a way to bring books from the library to persons who really want to

use the library," she said.

"We're hoping more people will use the services," she said.

Marian Edery is one of the residents who uses the service frequently.

"I like to read," she said, "especially when I have a good book."

She said she keeps informed about newly published books through listings in

The New York Times and then orders them from the library.

"They call me when they are in and deliver them," she said. "When I'm finished

with a book, I call them and someone picks it up."

Mrs Edery is trying to spread the word about the program.

"I've told a few people about it," she said. "I also told them about large

print books."

Mrs Armstrong said when patrons call for a delivery or pickup, "I call the

driver, who makes an appointment with the patron."

Volunteer drivers will bring books to patrons anywhere in Newtown, she said.

"There are four drivers for the four weeks of the month," Mrs. Armstrong said.

There are also six back-up drivers.

"They're a terrific bunch of people," she said.

To participate in the program, a library card has to be on file with the

library. If residents do not have a card, they should ask for a registration

form when they call to have books delivered for the first time. The Books on

Wheels driver will bring back the completed registration form after the

delivery.

To request books, call the library at 426-4533 Monday through Thursday, from 9

to 10 am, and Friday, 9 am to noon.

This service is limited to five titles per request and three books loaned at

one time. Most books can be loaned for four weeks. Best sellers and new books

are loaned for two weeks only and usually have a waiting list.

Within a few days, a volunteer will deliver the books to the resident.

When library patrons finish the books or want more, they simply call the

library to request pick-up or another delivery.

There are other ways to enjoy a good book.

Large print books can be requested through the Books on Wheels program. The

talking books program is offered through a state library system.

"We have a good collection of large print books or we can get them enrolled in

the Talking Books program that is also under used," Mrs Armstrong said.

A service offered through the State Library for the Blind and Physically

Handicapped in Rocky Hill provides Talking Books for adults and children who

are legally blind or physically handicapped.

Applications for the program can be obtained at the Booth Library.

The application must be returned with certification of eligibility signed by

an ophthalmologist, optometrist, doctor, nurse, or librarian. After approval,

an easily operated cassette or record player and catalogs with books listed by

subject to help in selection, will be provided, at no cost. Cassette tapes are

offered, at no charge, with free postage both ways.

For information about the Books on Wheels or Talking Books programs, call the

C.H. Booth Library at 426-4533.