21/1/2009 - Libraries praised for home delivery service

A library home delivery service run by Cumbria County Council has come in for glowing praise from the people who use it.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of all home delivery customers in Cumbria responded to the users' survey (out of a total client base of 536 in Cumbria, there were 384 respondents). The feedback revealed huge levels of appreciation for the service:

- 61% said the home delivery service is a lifeline.

- 78% said the reliability if the service is 'very good'. 

- 72% said the volunteer and staff knowledge and helpfulness is 'very good'.

- 100% were either 'very satisfied' (77%) or 'satisfied' (23%) with the service overall.

Over 70% of respondents also agreed that that the service also helps 'keep their mind active'.

The library home delivery Service is available throughout the county free of charge to people who are unable to visit the library because of mobility problems or ill health and who have no one who can go to the library on their behalf. The service is free, and items are selected by library staff according to each individual's needs and delivered by volunteers once a month.

The survey also revealed some interesting details about the people using the service:

- 3 people who use the service are over 100 years old.

- 43 people have been using the service for 10 years or more.

- 43% of people who use the service are aged 80-89.

- 86% said that they have mobility limitations. Other reasons for using the service included eyesight problems (41%), difficulty using hands and fingers (24%), hearing (23%) and long-term serious illness (20%).

Books, in ordinary print (48%), large print (42%) and on tape or CD (27%) were the most popular items borrowed. Family sagas and historical fiction were the most popular genres (63%), followed by crime or thrillers (43%), autobiography/biography (35%) and romance (30%).

Cllr Barbara Cannon, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member responsible for adults and culture, said:

"It's extremely comforting to see that the county council's home delivery service for libraries is so well-used and so well-appreciated. It performs a vital function for some of the more vulnerable people in the county.

"It is a great example of how the library service has adapted its service delivery to suit the needs of its customers. Running a library these days is not just about opening your doors and expecting people to wander in. It is about reaching out to as many customers as possible and the home delivery service does exactly that."

Anyone interesting in finding out more about the home delivery service should contact their local library or visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries/specialservices/home_deliv.asp

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332