Home Library Service FAQs

Home Delivery

 If you are registered as Homebound and unable to visit the library yourself, we may be able to arrange a home delivery for you.

How does this service work?

Fill out the Home Delivery online form or contact Ask Inspire ask@inspireculture.org.uk 01623 677 200 to do so.  This gives us your details and the types of books you like. Library staff which choose a selection of titles for you and issue them to your library account. Library staff will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time for a volunteer to deliver your books to you (and return any you have finished with)

How will books be chosen for me?

You will be asked for some details about the type of items you are interested in e.g. Crime, Sagas, Large Print, Audiobooks, Cookery books, History, favourite authors. Staff will use this information to choose a range of things you might like.

How many items can I borrow?

Homebound customers can borrow 48 items out at a time rather than the standard 24 – this allows us to issue new items to you for a volunteer to deliver before they have come back to the library with the items you are returning.  You do not need to borrow the maximum number of items.

What if I already have items on loan?

Library staff will renew items you already have on loan when issuing any new titles to you. If another customer has requested an item, they will not be able to renew it and will let you know so the volunteer can bring that title back.

How do I change my books?

Fill out another form or contact Ask Inspire ask@inspireculture.org.uk 01623 677 200 to arrange for a new delivery.

Are there any charges?

The Home Delivery Service is free! Plus, Homebound customers do not need to pay overdue charges or charges for borrowing audiobooks.

How will you find a volunteer to deliver my books?

We will try to find a volunteer in your area who will collect your items from your local library and take your returned books back for you. We are using our new Community Makers service to find volunteers.

Is it safe to have a volunteer coming to my house?

All volunteers have provided references, had DBS checks and have undergone training, and will have official ID. Library Staff will contact you ahead of time to arrange the delivery and will let you know the name of the volunteer who is coming.    We do not offer a befriending service and the volunteer will not enter your house unless invited to put the books in a more convenient location than on the doorstep. 

Click & Collect

Click and Collect is an alternate service for our Homebound customers who would prefer to arrange for a friend or family member to collect their books for the rather than a volunteer.

This service works in exactly the same way as Home Delivery except for the delivery of the items.  Fill out the Click and Collect online form or contact Ask Inspire ask@inspireculture.org.uk  01623 677 200 to do so.  Library staff will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time for your friend or family member to deliver your books to you (and return any you have finished with.)