DELIVERING a wealth of books to residents who are unable to access the library themselves, local woman Linda Slater happily volunteers for the Kerang library’s Books on Wheels service.
The Kerang Sir John Gorton Library offers an array of books, magazines, audio books and DVDs, and for some within the community, it gets delivered right to their doorstep.
Born and raised in Kerang, Ms Slater told the Gannawarra Times that she enjoyed delivering library supplies to help the community stay entertained.
“There are lots of beautiful people in our community, so delivering books once every four weeks is an easy way to lend a helping hand,” she said.
“I genuinely enjoy helping others and I love to talk, so it’s a win-win situation.”
Ms Slater fell into the role more than two years ago when an employee at the library asked if she would deliver some books to a member of the community.
“I was always at the library because I love to read myself, and then it just turned into a volunteering role that I continued,” she said, noting she also volunteers for Meals on Wheels.
“I don’t mind putting in the time at all either, because I’d like to think someone would help me out like this when I need it,” Ms Slater said.
Ms Slater now mostly delivers the library stock to Kerang’s Baptcare Northaven Community.
Betty Murphy, 90, is just one of the nine Baptcare Northaven Community residents who use the Books on Wheels service.
Ms Murphy told the Gannawarra Times that she orders “about a dozen” books each time, to read across the four weeks.
“I’ve always been an avid book lover, I could read an entire book in a day,” she said.
“I love all kinds of books, but I would have to say murder mysteries are my favourite.”
However, the service caters to all kinds of readers and movie watchers, often delivering magazines, movies and audio books to clients.
Beryl Baker, 88, enjoys receiving her library bag filled with DVDs.
“Movies interest me a little more than books I find, so I enjoy watching a good documentary,” she said.
“It’s good to know that I have a lot of choice, sometimes I’ll read a book, or listen to an audio book, but DVDs are what I get the most.”
DETAILS:
To register for Books on Wheels contact the Sir John Gorton Library.
Once registered, a library staff member will visit the home of the participant to get to know them and gain an understanding of the type of resources they would like to receive.
Councils Community Care team will then link participants with a volunteer to deliver resources to their home on a monthly basis.
