Links
Homebound Delivery Service Registration Application
Homebound Delivery Service Policy
Homebound Delivery Service Registration Form (Printable version)
Request New Items Form (Printable version)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets to use this service?
Homebound service is provided to residents of Tuscarora Township who are not able to come to the library. “Homebound” is defined as being generally confined to the residence either temporarily, due to illness or accident, or permanently, due to age, disability or other mobility problems.
***The Delivery program is only for those individuals who are unable to travel independently. The Homebound Delivery program is not merely a book delivery program; it is an outlet for those unable to leave their homes independently to get reading material and be in contact with the library. Please consider the amount of time & consideration that goes into putting this program together for both library staff and volunteers. If you are able to come into the library independently, please do not participate in this program.
Do I need a library card?
Yes. You can begin the registration process for a library card online here or you can come into the building to complete registration. A contact person for the homebound patron can register for a library card in their place if the contact person can provide the homebound person’s Driver’s License or State Identification card.
How do I enroll?
Enroll for our service through our online registration form here or fill out a printable version available in the links section above. A physical copy of the registration form is also available in the library at the circulation desk.
How do I order new materials?
Order all new items through our online request form here or turn in a physical copy to our delivery volunteers (printable version available above & as physical copies in the library). This form must be filled out each time the patron is requesting new materials.
Do I choose my own materials or does the library do it for me?
The library assistants will not choose materials for the patron. Patrons must request their own materials through the Request New Items Form.
How long can I borrow materials?
There is a three-week loan period for all materials, including books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more.
What kinds of materials can I borrow?
Patrons can borrow any lendable materials offered in the library collection. This includes adult fiction, non-fiction, large print, puzzles, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and any other lendable materials currently provided by our collection.
How many materials can I borrow at one time?
Homebound patrons have a limit of three items for each request. Volunteers will only visit the residence up to once a week, if necessary.
How does the delivery process work? Do I have to do anything?
Yes. The following bullet points outline the major rules to remember to remain eligible for this service.
- Drivers will pick up and/or drop off materials once a week on Thursdays from 12-3 p.m. This schedule is subject to change for holiday observances.
- Homebound patrons must confirm the time of delivery by Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m., prior to the Thursday delivery.
- The patron or contact person must be present at the time of delivery or items will be brought back to the library and returned to the collection.
- All walkways and driveways must be cleared prior to delivery.
- Drivers are not permitted to enter the home for any reason. If there is an immediate emergency, the driver will contact 911.
- No tips or gifts will be accepted on delivery, but Friends of the Library envelopes will be available upon request for donations.
- Drivers will not provide assistance with activities of daily living or advice on financial or personal matters. They are only available to deliver and pick up library materials.
How do I return materials?
At the time new materials are delivered, the patron has the option to return materials from the previous delivery. If you would not like new materials but need your items returned, call us at 231-238-8581 or email us at info@indianriverlibrary.org to set up a scheduled pickup.
Fines/Fees
Homebound delivery service is free. Patrons are still responsible for damaged or lost items, as well as any overdue charges accumulated if materials are not returned before their due date.
Does my home need to be in a specific condition to receive service?
Our homebound service is largely run by volunteers and their safety is extremely important to us. With this in mind, we ask patrons requesting homebound services to provide a safe and appropriate environment for volunteers.
Some examples of an unsafe home include, but are not limited to:
- If the walkways and/or driveway is not cleared
- If any person in the home presents threatening behavior or harrasses the library’s representative.
- If pets are not confined (with the exception of service animals trained to assist a disabled person)
- If any person in the home exhibits signs of illness that may jeopardize the health of the library’s representative
- If conditions in the home are unsafe
- If a volunteer or staff member must leave the property due to concerns about their safety, they will notify the homebound services coordinators.
Services will be suspended until the issues reported are resolved. The homebound library delivery service program may be discontinued at any time for any reason.
How are the volunteers chosen?
The Friends of the Library organize and choose volunteers. All drivers will be approved for the service only after the homebound services coordinators have conducted a thorough background check to ensure homebound patron safety.
Any other questions?
Ask any and all remaining questions by calling the library at 231-238-8581 or email us at info@indianriverlibrary.org.