Limitations due to age, health, living situation or other factors need not restrict residents’ access to the Pickerington Public Library.
The library’s Outreach Services program makes it possible for most city residents to use library materials for recreational and educational purposes.
“Numerous patrons have called to tell how happy they are to have the outreach program,” says Trudi Coakley, reference assistant and outreach librarian.
The library started the program shortly after the passage of its 2009 operating levy. Its two points of focus are children and senior citizens.
For the benefit of seniors, the Outreach Services team makes twice-monthly visits to Amber Park, Pickfair Square, Grand Haven Commons, Wesley Ridge Retirement Community and Abbington of Pickerington Assisted Living, all within the borders of the Pickerington Local School District. It provides access to regular and large-print books, audio books, magazines, and films.
Coakley selects materials from the library’s collection for residents to browse at their respective locations. She also holds their library cards, which she brings along during her visits to expedite checkouts. Outreach recipients frequently make requests – sometimes for specific books, sometimes for broad genres – and the team works hard to accommodate them.
The library is working to bring in volunteers so it can add more locations to its visit list. Those interested in volunteering should contact the library at 614-837-4104.
Though the program has its limitations, those it does reach very much appreciate the service, especially at Amber Park.
“It is absolutely phenomenal,” says Kathy Dulin, Amber Park activities coordinator. “Our residents really love the service.”
It’s far more convenient than trying to organize periodic trips to the library, Dulin says, and Amber Park’s residents really get into it. One even keeps a comprehensive record of all the books she’s read.
“(The library) brings a great variety of materials,” Dulin says.
Coakley has heard a good deal of positive response from the spots the team visits, she says.
“I really enjoy it,” she says. “I’m really happy to be able to provide this service to them.”
For its part, the Juvenile Services team visits six day care centers and one preschool twice a month, says Cathy Burden, the juvenile services manager. Though the team does not provide library materials for children to check out, it does conduct story times and offer educational materials.
“We’re taking the library to them,” says Burden.
Brandon Klein is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
