For those facing challenges like health or mobility issues, Worcestershire’s Library Service at Home is transforming lives by bringing the library experience directly to your door.
Run by passionate volunteers from Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service, this fantastic service that handpicks and delivers books is perfect for those who can’t visit a library due to health, mobility, or caring responsibilities.
Nina explains how the Library Service at Home makes a real difference to her quality of life. "Having books delivered is truly a blessing. I rely on them to help manage my health. My vision struggles make it difficult to read, so I receive six large print books and six audiobooks each month. When I have an asthma attack at night, I listen to an audiobook, the soothing voice helps me relax and drift back to sleep. These books aren’t just an escape; they help me cope with pain, ease my stress, and bring me comfort when I need it most."
Beyond the books, Nina values the personal connection the service brings.
"I look forward to their visit every month. But I know there must be others, even more isolated than I am, who look forward to it even more. For those of us with mobility issues, it’s a connection to the outside world, something that feels so precious. The service is an essential part of my pain management and relaxation routine. It helps me cope with my long-term condition, enabling me to do more and enjoy life again.”
Hannah Perrott, Assistant Director for Communities at Worcestershire County Council added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much this service means to people. Knowing that a simple visit and the right book can improve someone’s mental and physical health is what makes this service so special."
Last year, 269 library volunteers generously gifted over 800 hours of their combined time to make over 1800 Library Service at Home visits and deliveries to 178 customers across the county.
Nina’s story is one of many Worcestershire’s Library Stories, a regularly updated collection of real-life experiences from library customers and partners, showcasing the positive impact of library services. These stories highlight how libraries help people build resilience, find purpose, fulfil their potential and connect with others, whether through the Mobile Library Service, volunteering, parent and baby groups, NHS partnerships, or initiatives like the Young Poet Laureate competition.
To find out more about using this service visit the Library Service at Home webpage or or speak to a member of library staff.
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