Community Library Service (CLS)
We provide an outreach library delivery service directly to your door. The service is open to all Hackney residents who are unable to access a branch library either on a temporary or permanent basis. It provides a range of library material including:
- Books in normal print, large print
- Spoken word books on cassette and CD
- Films on DVD and video
- Music on CD and cassette
- Jigsaws and puzzles
- Magazines
- Reference and information services
We also work with library branches and local organisations such as Age Concern to provide a range of activities such as:
- Reminiscence sessions
- A telephone reading group (see below)
- IT training (bringing people to a library where possible)
Community Library Service film
This short film gives potential users information on the breadth of materials on offer, service details and joining information.
Who can have this service?
Any Hackney resident can use the service on a temporary or long-term basis. There are no age restrictions. The main criteria is that you cannot access a library because of an accident such as a broken leg, illness, frailty, disability or because you are a full-time carer.
How much does it cost?
The service is FREE. There are no charges for deliveries, for overdue items or loan reservations of any items.
How does the service work?
We deliver on a monthly rota basis, to people in their own homes, sheltered blocks and nursing homes and provide deposit loan collections to groups such as day centres, nurseries and homeless hostels. We also provide a weekly trolley service at St Joseph's Hospice and Homerton Hospital.
Telephone reading group
People at home, especially the housebound, or carer's can be a part of a reading group. It works on a conference call set-up with up to eight people on the call together talking about a book they have all been given to read. We deliver the book in the required format (ordinary print, large print or talking book) and facilitate the event with two members of CSV Hackney (Community Service Volunteers. The reading group will be meeting every 6 weeks. For more info contact Chris Garnsworthy on 020 8356 5238
How do you join?
There are various ways to register for the service:
- Use the online referral form
- Download and print a referral form
- Contact your local library branch
- Pick up a referral form at a Social Services office, Council office or Age Concern office
- Speak to your carer or home help
- Get in touch directly with the CLS team by telephone or email (see right)
Page updated: 4 Oct 2011
.