What started as a modest book delivery program has grown into a lifeline for many community members in Innisfil, thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers.
For close to three decades, the Innisfil Public Library has provided a vital service to individuals who have difficulty getting to the library.
“I've always loved working at the library," says Edith Spence, who spent 40 years with the library and now volunteers with the its home library service, which she helped launch. "It’s a way to stay connected with so many people, and it's truly a rewarding experience to bring books and materials to those who need them most."
In the early 1990s, the library launched its Home Library service to ensure that those who were unable to visit the library still had access to books, audiobooks, and other materials. Spence, who worked in circulation, helped build the program from the ground up.
Many of the clients were older readers living in Sandycove Acres who would find it difficult to get out. There were others who were home bound in Alcona and the volunteers drove out to Cookstown as well.
At one point, the volunteers were driving to 35 homes every month to deliver books and other material, including books on tape for those who were visually impaired.
“Home Library service is a program that has an immediate impact on the community — not only for the customers but for the volunteers, too,” says Innisfil ideaLAB and Library chief executive officer Erin Scuccimarri. “By bringing books and resources directly to residents who cannot visit us, we ensure everyone has access to the knowledge, connection, and joy that our library offers. This vital service wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our staff and volunteers.”
Currently, 18 area residents take advantage of the home service, which begins by filling out an online application.
Library staff then choose books, audiobooks and other materials based on each customer’s preferences, all often through a phone conversation. The borrowed material is then delivered directly to the user’s doorstep monthly by one of five volunteer drivers.
Assistive devices from the Library of Things collection have been added to the roster of items that can be delivered, opening up wider opportunities for users.
Scuccimarri says the service is about more than just books — it allows everyone in the community to use what the library has to offer.
"We began with just a couple of staff and relied heavily on volunteers," Spence recalls.
Often they’ll have a chat with the reader and perhaps have a little visit while they’re there.
"We bring enough materials to last the month and check in with our clients to see what they need," Spence explains. “There’s always people out there who need that extra, even if it’s just to have contact with us."
The service offers a range of formats, including audio tapes, talking books, and even items like book stands for those who have difficulty holding physical books. One recent request was for a child with autism who wanted a book with an accompanying audio track.
One mother with a disability wanted to read story books to her young child so she could share stories with her family.
Spence’s personal connection to the library runs deep. Having moved to Innisfil over 50 years ago, she enjoyed access to local library’s wealth of resources.
"Growing up on a farm, we didn’t have access to many books,” she says, recalling that the family had a box of books where they grew up near Cookstown, and they read them over and over again. “When I moved to Stroud, I was amazed by the library’s collection. It felt like a goldmine.”
Her passion for books has also influenced her family.
Her two sons now have children themselves, aged nine to 17, and Spence delighted in reading to them every week when they were young and taking them on regular trips to the library.
“They are all very big readers now also,” she says.
More information is available on the home service webpage.
