What is Outreach Services?

Outreach Services is the department of the Library that assists those with special needs or circumstances. Outreach Services delivers materials to participating senior facilities, nursing homes, and individuals who are homebound. Outreach also maintains paperback swaps at participating locations in the Library District.

What types of services are offered?

Outreach Services brings the Library to you when you are unable to get into the Library for extended periods. Outreach will:

• Help you select books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, or other materials
• Arrange to get these to you via home delivery, mail, or pick-up
• Record and mail a week’s worth of local news from Kane County Chronicle

Am I eligible for delivery services?

If you reside at a participating facility, you are eligible for service. If you have difficulty getting into or using the Library and you are a resident of the St. Charles Public Library District, you are eligible for delivery services. If poor eyesight prevents you from driving or if you are at home recuperating from surgery or a medical procedure, you qualify for service. Brief illnesses, such as the flu, do not make you eligible for service.

How do I sign up for delivery services?

Call the Outreach Services Manager at 630-584-0076, ext. 219. The manager will ask about your situation and guide you through the sign-up process.

Could I sign up for someone else for delivery?

No. Due to privacy issues, only the person receiving services is able to request them. You may not, for instance, sign up your neighbor or your mother.

Do I need a Library card?

You do not need a Library card to utilize Outreach Services.

How will my books be delivered?

Eligible patrons have three choices for delivery:

• Home delivery – we arrange for a mutually agreeable time to visit you at home
• Books by Mail – we mail items to you at home. This option is only available if you need no more than eight (8) to ten (10) items per month
• Pick-up at Adult Circulation – we check out your items and leave them at the Adult Circulation Desk for your caregiver or family member to pick up

How does Books by Mail work?

Books or other items are sent to your home in a Library bag that has a clear pocket for an address card. When we mail the bag, a card with your address is showing through the pocket. When you are ready to return the bag you turn the card over so that the Library’s address is visible. The Library pays for postage both ways.

How often would I be able to have books delivered?

• Home deliveries – a librarian will come to your home once per month, bringing up to 25 books
• Books by Mail - patrons are limited to no more than two mailings per month, totaling between eight (8) and ten (10) items
• Pick-up at the Adult Circulation Desk – no restrictions

Can I get DVDs and other popular items from Outreach Services?

Yes, as well as VHS videorecordings, magazines, audiobooks, cassette players, magnifying tools, lamps, large print books, and regular print books.

How long is the loan period for Outreach?

Most items checked out by Outreach Services have a 56-day loan period. Best selling books, DVDs, or CDs are checked out for much shorter periods depending on demand.

How do I request specific titles?

It is generally best to contact Outreach Services directly. However, if you have already contacted a staff member from Adult or Youth Services, just be sure to tell that staff member that you are an Outreach patron.

How much does it cost to get Outreach Services?

The service is free to all eligible residents of the St. Charles Library District

Who do I call if I have a question?

For more information about these services, Ask Outreach Services! Or contact the Outreach Services Manager by telephone at 630-584-0076, ext. 219 or by email.

Copyright 2008 • St Charles Public Library, One South 6th Ave, St Charles, IL 60174 • www.stcharleslibrary.org