New policy provides greater access for seniors, people with limited mobility
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is making it easier for homebound County library district residents to receive items they want from the Library. Those who find themselves confined at home for three or more months, for whatever reason, can now designate a person to pick up items for them at their local library or the SCCLD Bookmobile.
“This new policy provides convenience and ensures that our patrons can obtain books, movies and other items with more ease and potentially, greater frequency,” said County Librarian Nancy Howe. Currently, library staff delivers items requested by registered homebound patrons approximately once a month.
While a small program with just under 100 participants currently, homebound services are important to the non-ambulatory seniors, persons with disabilities, and otherwise incapacitated individuals who rely on them. Homebound persons can specify a Designated Borrower by filling out an application on SCCLD’s new website.
Another change that has recently gone into effect is the ability to renew most items up to three times. The change allows patrons to renew books and other materials for a third time from home, their personal electronic devices, or library checkout machines, so long as there are no holds on the items and the items qualify for renewal. The length of time eligible items can be checked out remains three weeks at a time.
“These great measures will help people whose lack of mobility would otherwise limit their access to library materials,” said County Supervisor and Library Joint Powers Authority Board Chairman Mike Wasserman. “Once again, SCCLD is working hard to make library services more convenient and accessible for all patrons.”
