Ensuring everyone, even shut-ins, have access to a good book in North Bay

Someone homebound for health or other extenuating circumstances may sometimes feel cut off from the world.

But in North Bay, they can still enjoy reading a good book or listening to an audiobook, thanks to the North Bay Public Library.

"The Shut-in or Homebound service provides library materials, print books and audiobooks to those library members who reside inside the city's municipal boundaries but who are unable to leave their homes due to health issues.  This service is provided by all libraries to library patrons who, due to age, health, or physical ability, cannot come into the library."

So says Judith Bouman, Head of Adult and Technical Services at the local library.

How can someone access the program?

"The person interested in this service must become a member of the library.  If they can make it into the library to set up a membership we will register them right away.  Otherwise, they can call to register.  The home address must be inside the city limits," Bouman explains. the number they can call is 705-474-4830, and Bouman's extension is 2819

Currently, about 150 who are homebound or shut-in are using the service. But it's open to anyone who fits the criteria, says Bouman.

"Any North Bay city resident who is a library member and who is confined at home can give us a call.  The first step is to register for a library membership.  Once that is complete then the library patron can ask to be included in the homebound service."

The library receives great feedback from thankful users of the service.

"Library patrons who receive the service are very grateful to be able to enjoy library materials, and to get a new delivery every month or so," she adds.

So who actually makes sure the books get out there?

"Screened volunteers visit shut-ins in their homes or residences, delivering and returning reading or listening materials.  Interested volunteers need to apply at the library and have a PRC (police reference check) completed by the local police department to be permitted to deliver the requested library items.
Each volunteer delivers once every few weeks, on no set schedule.  The homebound patron calls once they are finished with their library materials.  The staff pick new selections, enough for a month or so, and the volunteers deliver the new choices," explains Bouman.

And if you're curious about some of the most popular authors, Bouman mentions a few, saying "Danielle Steel, David Baldacci, and James Patterson are always popular."

This is one of a series of good news articles about "Helpers" in our community. To suggest a person, volunteer, group or an organization contact Mike Anthony at [email protected]