Coming Home

The Sparta Library extends its offerings and service to people’s doorsteps, By Stacey Mason Sparta - Being physically unable to get to the library no longer prevents patrons from accessing its resources. Starting July 1, the Sparta Public Library will be offering another new service: homebound delivery. This program will provide checkout services once a month to patrons’ homes for those who are unable to get to the library. In order to be eligible for this program, the patron needs to complete a form and have it signed by a doctor, stating that the patron is unable to travel or has difficulty traveling. “It’s not just for aging members who might not be taking advantage of the library’s resources, it is also for those who can’t get here out of medical necessity, like if a student breaks his leg. He may need information brought to him to complete a school report,” said Diane Lapsley, the library’s assistant director. “(The library) is a tax-based service and we all pay taxes. Even those who can get here have a right to the services.” Library members who are residents of Sparta are able to take advantage of this free service, which allows up to ten items at a time to be borrowed. Upon request, the library will mail, fax or e-mail the forms needed to request materials, which can be books on CD or tape, large print books, DVDs, CDs, regular print books. The request sheet can also be downloaded off the Web site. “I hope this program helps those who can’t get here. The service opens up an opportunity for those who need it. I hope they partake in it,” said Pat Giles, who is in charge of circulation. Although always on the cutting edge of services offered, this time Sparta is not the first to offers checkout services to homebound members. Many other libraries in the state offer this service, allowing them to reach all of the interested patrons. “We’ve been talking about providing this service for years. Our population is aging, plus we have patrons who can’t get here simply out of medical necessity. I’ve felt it’s not enough to just meet the needs of the community; we want to seek their needs. We are proactive in the community and if we detect a need, so much the better,” said Lapsley. “I hope people take advantage of it and get into the program. I think it will flourish when people find out about it.” Interested patrons can access the library’s Web site at www.spartalibrary.com or call at 973-729-3101 and ask for Pat Giles or Patty Finnegan, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.