As part of Canadian Library Month, CUPE is presenting stories from members of the National Library Workers’ Committee to highlight and celebrate the different roles CUPE library workers play in promoting literacy in their communities.
Stacey Lucas, CUPE 2329
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries is a province-wide public library system. We provide a home reader service in four communities around the province. The service involves the free delivery of materials to library members who are unable to visit a library branch in-person, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and persons living in care facilities or seniors housing.
Part of my job as a library worker at the A.C. Hunter Public Library branch in St. John’s involves delivering library materials to community members enrolled in the program. I deliver books in regular and large print, talking books, and audio books. When a patron hasn’t indicated what type of materials they would like to receive, I always start by providing them with regular print books, until I meet them and have an opportunity to understand their unique needs.
If the patron indicates they experienced some difficulty reading the book, I will recommend they try large print materials and I’ll tell them about our audiobook collection. If they have a tablet or E-Reader, I will also tell them about our E-Library and the Libby app. These resources enable patrons to read materials electronically and adjust the font size of the text they’re reading to meet their individual needs.
For people who face barriers to physically accessing the library, the home reader service ensures they won’t lose access to library materials because library staff bring the library to them! This direct-delivery outreach service plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and literacy because it eliminates barriers to accessing information and life-long learning for everyone regardless of age or ability.