For qualified patrons, Flora Library makes deliveries
By Jennifer Archibald

Special delivery Myrtle McKeever has library books delivered to her home every two weeks as a free service provided by the Flora-Monroe Township Public Library. Seed money for the service was provided by a grant from the Carroll County Community Foundation, along with donations from Flora Psi Iota Xi, Flora Kiwanis, and Flora Lions Club. Susan Zinn and son Garrett are pictured with Myrtle on a recent delivery visit. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald

Myrtle McKeever, an avid reader, is grateful for a free library service that delivers books to her door.

Called Library Direct, it was started earlier this year by the Flora-Monroe Township Public Library.

Melissa Bishop, library director, said the service delivers library materials to homebound residents of Monroe Township, including the elderly, handicapped, and those temporarily incapacitated by long-term illness or injury.

Volunteers from the community deliver and pick up books every two weeks.

Susan Zinn and her four-yearold son, Garrett, take books to Myrtle.

Myrtle said she doesn’t go out much and she doesn’t watch much TV, so she has a lot of time to read.

“The first time I got books delivered, I got 14,” she said. “I’m a fast reader.”

She decided that reading a book a day was pushing her a bit, so she scaled back to around 10.

“I asked for seven the week I had a lot of doctor’s appointments,” she added.

Her favorite books are mystery/ love stories.

When Susan and Garrett arrive, Garrett reaches into a big, red book tote and hands each book to Myrtle so she can see what she’ll be reading over the next two weeks.

Melissa had an initial meeting with Myrtle to see what kinds of books she likes and dislikes.

Melissa said she browses the shelves to make book selections that she thinks Myrtle will enjoy.

She said people in the program can also request specific books and authors, and can go to the library’s web site and look at the library’s catalog of books.

“The service gives people independence; it’s something they can do for themselves,” Melissa said. Otherwise, she said they would have to ask caregivers or relatives to go to the library for them.

Myrtle used to go to the library when she was able. Melissa said the service keeps people like Myrtle in contact with the library and with the community through the volunteers.

“The first time Garrett and I went to Myrtle’s, she said ‘You bring him back,’” Susan said. “She likes to see Garrett.”

On their last visit before Christmas, Myrtle handed Garrett a chocolate Santa Claus sucker.

“Garrett looks forward to going to Myrtle’s,” Susan said, “and it teaches him respect for the elderly and to give back to the community.”

Myrtle’s supply of books is supplemented by ones her daughters bring to her, but some people don’t have anyone to do that for them.

Susan said one reason she volunteers is that she wouldn’t want anyone to be deprived of reading books just because they can’t get to the library.

“We do a lot of reading at our house,” she said. “After we go to Myrtle’s, we go back to the library and read a book or check out books.”

Melissa said the library has six volunteers willing to deliver books, but right now there are only two people who are signed up for the service. She said others have requested the service this winter when it will be harder for them to get out.

Anyone who would like to become a volunteer or sign up for the delivery service can call the library at 967-3912.