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Joondalup Libraries’ Books on Wheels service offers inclusive access to library resources for residents who are unable to visit the library due to temporary or permanent disability, frailty, illness, or no longer able to drive. This service is a lifeline for many, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of the library.
The service is managed by two dedicated part-time staff members, Kim and Bethany, along with a team of three to four volunteers. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, Kim and Bethany deliver books and other resources to around 120 patrons, visiting both individual homes and aged care facilities.
The volunteers play a crucial role in the team, selecting books for each patron based on their profiles and interests. This allows Kim and Bethany to focus on locating special items of interest for patrons and handling requests and inter-library loans.
Books, available in standard or large print, are the most popular items borrowed through the service, followed by audiobooks, DVDs, and magazines. The Books on Wheels service is highly valued not only for the reading and listening materials it provides but also for the routine and structure it helps maintain for older adults. Many patrons face cognitive challenges, and the regular visits from familiar staff can significantly reduce their stress. Additionally, the brief chats during deliveries offer a vital social connection for those who are more isolated.
“We enjoy spending time with the people we deliver to and getting to know a bit more about them,” said Bethany. Kim and I have been working together for five years, and we get to know our patrons well. Sometimes we are the first people they see for the day and sometimes we are the only people they will see that day, so we know how much the service means to people. It’s the contact we have that makes the job so rewarding for us.”
One new patron praised the service, sharing that she and her husband had not been able to read as much since they could no longer drive. Now, they receive a fortnightly delivery of books right to their door. Another patron mentioned that her friends from south of the river are envious of the service, as their library does not lend magazines and DVDs.
Books on Wheels at Joondalup Libraries is a shining example of an accessible and inclusive service that enhances the lives of older people within the City of Joondalup.
For further information, contact the Books on Wheels team.