In partnership, the Friends of the Joplin Public Library and the Joplin Public Library are pleased to announce the launch of an initiative to select and deliver books and other library materials to homebound patrons. The program is called Traveling Titles and is available to individuals who are residents of the city of Joplin and are unable to physically visit the Joplin Public Library.
The new Traveling Titles program calls for both organizations to work closely together. The Library staff will register patrons for the homebound delivery program, work directly with each patron to select materials they are interested in, and then ready them for delivery. Once materials are ready, Friends volunteers will deliver the items and pick up any items for return.
This is the first time this service has been offered to the Joplin community; though homebound delivery programs are available at many libraries across the country and are designed to help patrons who are homebound due to age, injury, illness or other factors. The goals of the program include increasing the number of Joplin residents with access to educational and entertainment opportunities, increasing quality of life and cognitive faculties, improving mental health, and reducing the number of Joplin residents experiencing exclusion and isolation.
“Access is an important part of the Library’s mission; and this program ensures that mobility issues do not prevent patrons from accessing the Library,” said Library Director Jeana Gockley. “We’re excited to partner with the Friends of the Joplin Public Library to meet this need in our community.”
To participate in receiving materials, individuals must first be card-holding members of the Joplin Public Library. Once that requirement is met, patrons need to complete a homebound delivery application form, available as a downloadable document on our website, joplinpubliclibrary.org,, in a paper format available at the Library, or with help from a Library staff member over the phone at 417-624-5465. Library staff will review the application and follow up with the applicant about their status. Once patrons are approved for the program, they will receive their library holds monthly courtesy of trained Friends of the Joplin Public Library volunteers.
Individuals interested in becoming trained delivery volunteers with Traveling Titles can find out more by visiting the Friend’s website at friendsofthejpl.org.
For more information about Traveling Titles, please contact Lori Crockett at 417-623-7953 for Library-related questions or Kathy Lazenby at 417-438-5255 for questions related to Friends involvement.
—
Since 1902, JPL has been fulfilling the information needs of citizens of Joplin and the surrounding community. JPL opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.
Submitted by:
Lori Crockett, PR/Marketing Assistant
417.623.7953 ext. 1019
Be the first to comment