If you or someone you know if physically unable to visit the Library, the Good Neighbours program can help!
Library staff select material in accordance with a member’s personal reading preferences, and home delivery can be arranged through volunteer drivers from partner organizations. The Library also conducts regular visits to long-term care and retirement residences and facilities throughout Clarington, connecting individual members at these facilities to Library services.
Anyone with a legitimate physical reason for not being able to come to the library is eligible to become a Good Neighbours member.
1. What if I don’t have a Library card?
Library staff will complete the sign-up process as part of your first call, .
2. How do I arrange deliveries?
Let Library staff know that you would like to have a delivery. Please contact the Library at least five (5) days before your preferred pick-up date to allow enough time to gather the materials and arrange delivery. If you are participating in Good Neighbours as part of an organizational or facility visits, items will be brought for you at your organizations' next regular visit.
3. Can I arrange my own volunteer driver?
Yes! If you have a friend or family member who can pick up and delivery materials for you, we're happy to work with your volunteer driver for arranging deliveries and pick-ups.
4. How many items can I take out at one time?
This is one of the preferences the Library will ask you about during your initial interview. Most members tend to choose around two to five (2-5) items at a time. This number can easily be changed depending on your current reading practices however, so just let Library staff know the next time you contact us for new materials.
5. What is the loan period?
Good Neighbours members can keep material for six (6) weeks. However, we realize that you may not always be able to arrange a delivery in a timely manner, so members do not have to pay fines. We ask for your consideration in returning your materials within a reasonable time period.
6. How do you know what I have read?
The Library will keep track of the books sent to you. It is possible to run out of your preferred material, so if you don’t mind re-reading certain titles or authors, please let us know and this will be noted on your file.
7. How do you know what material to send?
When you first sign up you will be asked about the types of books you enjoy and in what format. Think of different authors you may have enjoyed in the past or the style of book that you like (e.g. thrillers, romance, westerns). It is also helpful to let us know what you don’t like to read! This information helps Library staff select books that you will hopefully enjoy. There are a number of different formats that are available, including:
The Library will visit long-term care, retirement, or similar facilities whose members/clients may be eligible for the Good Neighbours program. Please contact Kiley Percy, Community Engagement Coordinator, at 905-404-0707 ext. 223 or kpercy@clarington-library.on.ca to arrange for scheduled visits.
