Home Library Service

“The service has been a great help to me, with nothing else to look forward to apart from my books. People like [my volunteer] make a big difference to people like me. I can depend on him because he will always look after me.”

‐ 81-year-old disabled client receiving the service in the Desford area

“[When my volunteer has been] I feel a lot brighter, and I feel I can cope… I think that’s because I have been having to use the old brain again… We chat away like old friends even though she is much younger than me. I enjoy her company very much. I can’t fault the service for all these years… [The service is] very, very, very important. It’s an absolute boon to me.”

‐ 92-year-old client receiving large print books in the Narborough area

If you love to read, but are unable to get to the library yourself, then the free Home Library Service can help!

What is the Home Library Service and who is it for?

The Home Library Service can arrange for you to have books delivered to your home on a regular basis if you are unable to get to the library yourself.

It is available to anyone of any age who is temporarily or permanently housebound. This could be due to:

physical or mental health disability
illness, mobility issues
caring responsibilities
following hospitalisation

We recognise that there are many reasons that may prevent individuals from being able to access our library sites so if you feel that this service could be of benefit to you, even in the short term, please do get in touch.

Bringing the library to you! We offer:

standard print, large print and audiobooks.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers through our Borrowbox app. A volunteer will be able to support you to access this, but you will need to have internet and a compatible device at home.
a 3 month loan period with no overdue charges
a request service – if you would like to borrow a particular title, we can try and get this for you
the option to just have your books dropped off at the door or books and a chat with one of our friendly volunteers.

How it works

A member of the team will visit you in your home to find out more about you and your reading interests. You will then be matched with a volunteer who will bring you a selection of materials carefully chosen with you in mind. They will visit you every 3 weeks, at a time that suits you, to exchange the items you have borrowed.

How to Join

If you would like to receive this service, or know of someone who might benefit from it, then get in touch with our Home Library Service team.

Email: Homelibrary@leics.gov.uk or Phone: 0116 30 57778 for more information.

Please be aware that due to service demand, there may be a wait period.

We’re looking for volunteers to support this service. If you’re interested in becoming a Home Library Service Volunteer, then click here to find out more.