Bracknell

The volunteers who help Bracknell Forest Borough Council run it's home library service have been thanked for their hard work and commitment at a specially organised seminar.

The volunteers were welcomed to the seminar, held at Easthampstead Park, by Ruth Burgess, Head of Libraries and Information.

The volunteers took part in training sessions on reader development and manual handling before receiving a talk and thanks for their work from Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries.

The free home library service takes loan books, talking books, CDs and DVDs to residents who are housebound and can't come to one of the Council's libraries themselves.

When someone joins the service they are invited to discuss their reading or listening preferences with a member of the home library staff. They can specify particular writers, genres or subjects that interest them.

They then get a visit every two or three weeks from a volunteer or member of Bracknell Council's libraries team who provides them with a selection of their preferred loan items.

Home library service users are not liable for any fines, hire charges or request fees. Currently there are 117 people using the service and 12 regular volunteers.

Ruth Burgess said: "I was delighted to welcome these volunteers to our event and to thank them for helping us make sure everyone in the borough has access to our excellent library services.

"Their hard work is much appreciated by the Council as well as the people who benefit directly from the service."

Bracknell Cllr Alan Ward, said: "It gave me great pleasure to have the opportunity to meet the volunteers and to thank them personally for the work they do.

"Their work enables older people who can't get to the libraries to obtain their books, giving them a personalised service. And as a keen reader myself it was also nice to chat with them about the books."

Home library service application forms, which will need to be signed by the applicant's doctor or health visitor are available from the libraries service on 01344 352406.

If you would like to be a home library service volunteer call 01344 352406.

For more information about the Council's libraries visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries

Bracknell Forest Borough Council