Mobility limitations can change a person’s life, but with the library delivery program in Nanaimo, they don’t have to interrupt one’s reading or watch list.
That’s thanks to a partnership between Altrusa International of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island Regional Library.
For the last 50 years, once every three weeks, Altrusa volunteers deliver any books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and magazines requested from the city’s library network, returning to pick them up on their next round.
The material can be specified, or up to the volunteer’s choosing if requested.
Elizabeth Pack, Altrusa District 12’s executive director, said clients have expressed that the service has opened them up to the world through the stories.
“We have online e-books through the library or they can get audiobooks as well,” Pack said. “Altrusa has our own collection of layaway audio books to listen to. All you need is a set of headphones and we can provide them to clients at their home.”
VIRL’s Harbourfront Library reports that about 50 patrons typically use the service to a time, a demographic mostly comprised of seniors, but one that also includes individuals with various disabilities or illnesses.
While there are a wide variety of genres clients can choose from, the branch said that for some reason mystery novels appear to be a popular one at the moment, both in print and audio.
To sign-up for deliveries, contact the Harbourfront Library at 250-753-1154. Those who want to volunteer for Altrusa can e-mail nanaimo.altrusa@gmail.com.
READ ALSO: Altrusa club celebrates 70 years in Nanaimo
