Library Home Delivery Service Brings Cultural Well-Being to the Most Vulnerable

Abstract

Library Home Delivery Services contributes to an inclusive society and social sustainability as it brings library items to those who cannot access a library due to long-term illness, injury or old age. The patrons entitled to this service are often vulnerable and homebound. Most of them spend 80 % or more of their time at home, often alone. Tampere City Library delivers material free of charge to the doorsteps of about 330 patrons. The number includes private homes and care facilities. Besides books, delivered items can include audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and CDs. Library Home Delivery is a cost-effective way to bring cultural well-being to homebound patrons. Studies have shown that access to culture has direct health benefits. Depression and loneliness decreases. Reading has many therapeutic benefits and it also protects from the cognitive decline associated with aging. Many Western governments are implementing “aging in place” strategies. Instead of relocating seniors to costly care facilities, they live at home as long as possible. Therefore, the number of homebound people is rapidly increasing. Library Home Delivery Services can be seen as one way to bring cultural well-being.