Libraries launch Books on Wheels service for people stuck at home
People who are housebound can get library books delivered to their front door from Monday 29 June when Inverclyde Council’s Books on Wheels service returns. From 13 July 2020 people who are shielding and people who are over 75 will also be able to access the service for the first time.
Current users have all been contacted and deliveries will be taking place from Monday.
Anyone who wants to start using the service for the first time should call either Greenock Central Library on 01475 712323, Gourock Library on 01475 712340 or Port Glasgow Library on 01475 715629. Phone lines are open from 10am – 12noon, Monday – Friday from 6 July 2020.
Books are delivered to any area in Inverclyde.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Convener of Inverclyde Council’s Education & Communities Committee, said, “Our e-book and e-audio book service has been a great success during the lockdown and these new services make it even easier for people to access our library service from the comfort and safety of their own home.
“These services are a lifeline for people who are vulnerable and who struggle to get out and about”
The service is deliberately designed to be as straightforward to use as possible. Library services staff set up a library membership for users. The library user tells staff what type of books they like, staff wearing PPE collect the books from the library shelves and then deliver them to the person’s doorstep. The books are then collected at a pre-arranged time.
People who are more active will also be able to get more access to local libraries from 15 July when the new Connect & Collect service starts.
Library members will be able to order to library resources by phone or online for next-day collection at either Greenock Central Library, Port Glasgow Library or Gourock Library.
The books are then prepared and bagged for collection the following day from 11-2pm at the nominated branch.
People who want to use the Connect & Collect service should use the numbers above from 13 July 2020 or use the link on the left hand side of this page.