Purpose
Homebound people who are physically unable to visit the library because of a disability are entitled to the same quality of service as that available to the fully mobile library patron. The purpose of this program is to provide personalized library service to meet the special needs of homebound individuals within the community.
Staff
A reference librarian will be appointed who will be the link between the library and the homebound patron and whose responsibilities include coordinating the program and making the necessary selection of materials to meet the needs and choices of the individual.
The reference librarian will check out materials and coordinate delivery of materials.
Eligibility
Any person who resides within the Plainedge School District and is unable to visit the library due to a physical disability or impairment is eligible to participate in the library’s homebound program.
Procedure for Registration
Any resident of the Plainedge School District who believes they are eligible to participate in the homebound program may contact the library by telephone, mail, email, or in person. The person will be given or sent an application for participation in the homebound program. The application certifying that the person is homebound must be signed and returned to the library. The application will then be reviewed by the head of reference. If approved, contact will be made to arrange your first delivery.
The person may indicate the types of materials desired on the application or speak directly to a reference librarian. Arrangements will then be made for all future deliveries.
Charge Out
All materials, limited to Plainedge Library items only, delivered to homebound patrons will be checked out on the morning of the scheduled delivery. A record of the materials checked out and of the due dates will be given to the patron with the materials. All print materials will be checked out for two or four weeks; CDs and older DVDs will be checked out for fourteen days. New DVDs are not eligible for this program.
Two days before materials are due, the homebound patron will be contacted by the library and arrangements made for the pickup of checked out materials and delivery of replacement materials.
Delivery
Deliveries and Pickups will be made on a case-by-case basis, due to staff availability.
The library will arrange for the delivery and pickup of materials at your door. Staff will NOT enter the house.
Borrowing Privileges for Persons Designated by Homebound Patron
The designated person is required to show proper identification when borrowing materials. It is the responsibility of the homebound person to notify the library in writing when the designated person is no longer authorized to borrow materials on his/her library card.
The homebound person is responsible for all materials borrowed on their library card by the designated person.
The same policies, procedures and rules regarding due dates, loan periods, fines, and fees that apply to the general public also apply to materials borrowed on a homebound patron’s library card by a designated person.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees May 8, 2002
Revised on January 17, 2018, July 1, 2024
