Southampton City Libraries is encouraging people to make the most of the free home delivery service which brings books directly to your door – using green transport!
This free service makes accessing books easier for people who are unable to use their local library for health reasons or a disability. There are thousands of books to choose from, with some available in larger print or as an audiobook, which are usually delivered once a month.
This longstanding service is now environmentally friendly with the deliveries made by electric cargo bikes or vans. The service is funded by Solent Future Transport Zone, which is funded by the Department for Transport, to carry out a range of innovative sustainable transport trials across the Solent area.
When customers sign up, they will receive a phone call from library staff who will talk with them about the books they enjoy reading and reserve some suitable titles. The books will be delivered to their home and collected when customers are finished with them.
Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said: “Our Home Library Service is designed to support people’s wellbeing in the city. This fantastic, hassle-free green service means that everyone can enjoy all that our award-winning libraries have to offer. With thousands of titles to choose from, there is something for everyone.”
A user of the service said: “I have had a very good service from the Home Library Service. The selection of books has always been varied which makes them more interesting. The service allows those who are housebound, or nearly so, to have another dimension to their lives. It is a life saver for the disadvantaged”.
Those who are interested in signing up or finding out more can call the libraries team on
023 8083 3007 or email home.delivery@southampton.gov.uk.
