Bringing the library to your doorstep
Calling book lovers! A popular home library service run by Royal Voluntary Service, the national volunteering organisation, is calling for more volunteers to assist readers who wish to use this free service in Tavistock and the surrounding areas. Devon Home Library Service delivers books to people who no longer get to a library due to mobility issues, ill health or caring responsibilities. Royal Voluntary Service volunteers choose and deliver books, sharing their love of reading and providing a friendly face and regular visitor to people whose mobility and social interaction may be limited. The provision can be long-term or temporary, as well as including people who can sometimes visit the library themselves on a good day, whereas at other times they cannot. Some readers choose their books online and then volunteers deliver them. Books can be provided in normal print, large print, audio and, increasingly, electronic formats.
Cathy Saunders, service manager for Devon Home Library Service says: “For people who enjoy reading or listening to an audio recording but find getting to the library challenging, this service offers a vital link to books. The volunteer’s visit can assist in alleviating feelings of isolation and loneliness. We want to reach more rural areas of the county and link even more people to libraries enabling them to benefit from this free service.”
Royal Voluntary Service has been inspiring and enabling people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day for 80 years. Today, that’s supporting older people to stay healthy and happy, and helping the NHS. With an army of 20,000 volunteers, the charity provides support in the community, at home and in hospital. To find out more about getting books brought to your doorstep by Devon Home Library Service or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer call Cathy Saunders on 07786 635163 or email cathy.saunders@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or contact your local library.