New library program keeps the homebound reading

Norma Buck is reading mysteries, biographies and whatever else comes her way — even though she can’t get to the library any more.

Whenever she needs new reading material, Flathead County Friends of the Library volunteer Shirley Harryman is happy to bring her more books.

The exchange is a part of a recently launched homebound book service, a six-month pilot project started by the Friends group with collaborative support from the Flathead County Library system.

“I think it’s filling a need in the community,” Harryman said during a recent visit to Buck’s Kalispell home.

Buck, 80, learned about the homebound book service from a flier that came through her grocery-delivery service. She’s a longtime reader and decided to take advantage of the new program. Although she still drives a little, it’s difficult to get out on icy roads in the winter.

Deciding what books to bring has been a bit of a guessing game, Harryman said.

“She gives me ideas and we’ve experimented a little,” she said. “It’s wise to keep a running list” of what books the homebound patron already has read.

The program has helped Buck brush up on her vocabulary.

“I’m not real good with big words, but I have a dictionary on the floor” by the coffee table, she said with a laugh.

Bill Hodge, 90, is another patron of the program. In the summer he’s able to ride his three-wheeler to the library, but winter keeps him inside.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Hodge said. “It’s really been a blessing to me and my wife Euna Fay.”

Hodge’s volunteer, Richard Kuhl, said he drops off a half-dozen books at a time every week or two.

“The main thing is to try to get books he’s interested in,” Kuhl said, adding that if the library doesn’t have a particular volume, he can tap into the statewide library exchange.

Hodge said he favors westerns, while his wife prefers “women’s books.”

Mary Nelesen, volunteer coordinator for Friends of the Library, said the program’s oldest patron is 102 years old. She noted, however, that the homebound service isn’t only for the elderly. It also includes those who can’t get out because of illness, accidents or disabilities.

Volunteer Ruth Andersen’s patron, for example, was homebound due to a medical problem with his legs.

“He was delighted to get the books and he loves to read,” Andersen said. “His legs got better and he’s back to the library now.”

The program is limited to a five-mile radius of the main library in Kalispell right now, but Nelesen foresees expanding the service.

“Our goal is to share our love of reading with homebound customers and test the need and capacity on a smaller scale and then expand as resources and requests dictate,” Nelesen said.

Currently there are volunteers ready and waiting for homebound patrons. Volunteers must be members of Friends of the Library and are required to go through training provided by Nelesen and Branch Services Librarian Connie Behe.

For more information about how to be part of the homebound service, contact Patty Jones, Flathead County Library circulation manager, at 758-5818 or Nelesen at 755-7678.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com