St Helens Library Service is back on the road to help library members during lockdown.
After a brief absence, a home delivery service – usually open to residents who can’t leave their home to get to a library because of ill health or mobility issues – is back up and running.
To date, St Helens Library Service has 130 people signed-up to the service but has capacity to welcome those who are in the shielding category, or over the age of 70, to join the offer which will allow them to enjoy up to 20 books or audio books over a six-week period.
One local resident who feels the benefit of the home delivery service is 75-year-old Marie Baddley from Newton-le-Willows who has used the service for more than 20 years.
Marie, who has arthritis and was diagnosed with an eye condition called macular degeneration three-years ago, can no longer read books and now relays on audiobooks instead.
Marie said: “I couldn’t manage without the home delivery service – it has been my saviour.
“The staff are just so lovely and can’t do enough for me. I can’t speak highly enough of them.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the service to anyone in my position. It really has changed my life and I’m ever so grateful.”
St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure & Libraries, Councillor Anthony Burns, said: “It’s incredibly touching to hear how much a council service means to someone who is housebound and credit to our staff who are going above and beyond to ensure people like Marie continue to have access to the things they enjoy most in life.
“These are difficult times for us all right now, so if there’s anyone out there who feels they would benefit from our home delivery service – I would encourage them to get in touch.”
For home delivery registration enquiries, call 01744 677898 or email homedeliverylibraryservice@sthelens.gov.uk
Library customers can also access 24/7 digital services, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics, using their library card.
