Volunteer Leonie Harris selects books for patrons based off their reading preferences.
Photo by
Brynne Timewell
FOR SOME MOOROOPNA RESIDENTS, A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY DOESN’T MEAN LEAVING HOME, IT MEANS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.
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At Mooroopna Library, a dedicated team of volunteers is helping ensure no-one misses out on the pleasure of a good book.
Through the Home Library Service, books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazines are delivered directly to people who are unable to visit the library themselves.
The service allows volunteers to bring carefully selected items to patrons based on their reading preferences.
Library coordinator Michelle Nicolson said the service was all about increasing accessibility.
“Our volunteers deliver to people who can’t get to the library for whatever reason and for whatever length of time,” Michelle said.
“This service means everyone can still read books, and it means that they’re not as isolated, as there’s another person to visit them.”
Michelle said the service wasn’t just about dropping books off, volunteers stay for a chat and often form genuine connections to the patrons.
“There is a welfare element as well … our volunteers often become good friends with the patrons, which is lovely to see,” she said.
The Home Library Service officially operates at the Mooroopna and Shepparton libraries, with hopes to expand to other Goulburn Valley Libraries.
But delivering books is just one part of the story.
Many volunteers are also members of the Friends of the Library group, which plays an important role behind-the-scenes.
Meeting monthly, the group supports the library through fundraising, advocacy and community events.
“Our group are renowned for their cooking,” Michelle said.
“They do a big book and plant sale once a year, and that's a really successful fundraising activity for us.”
The funds go to a range of things from televisions and DVD players to blinds and colouring pencils.
“Our volunteers are really strong advocates for our services,” Michelle said.
“They speak really well of our library, and that's better than any paid advertising that we could do.”
For those who give their time, the benefits are just as meaningful.
“Volunteering keeps you connected to your community, it’s one of those things that provides you with a feel-good factor,” Michelle said.
“Volunteering is an activity that gives you more than you give out.”
Michelle said she can’t thank the library volunteers enough.
“Volunteers really do make our lives so much easier, they’re just so supportive.”
– HAILEY WIGHT
Mooroopna Library coordinator Michelle Nicolson handing books for delivery service to volunteer Leonie Harris.
Photo by
Brynne Timewell
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