Across Salford, many people are unable to leave their homes and visit the library. Whatever the reason, they’re housebound but a local book delivery service is making sure they don’t miss out.
It’s a free delivery service bringing personalised books straight to residents’ doors every month, all handpicked and delivered by librarian Darren Odell, with support from Salford Community Leisure. He looks after more than 200 borrowers.
“All I charge them for is a quick smile, depending on the day,” he said.
He sorts, packs and delivers to 15-20 people a day, keeping track of what they’ve read, what they love and what they’d rather avoid.
Each borrower has their own record card listing past loans, preferences and any special requirements. Some people want a quick swap at the door, but many look forward to a friendly chat. And for those who struggle to reach the door, Darren finds a way to make the handover work.
For Tony Chorley, who is blind and lives alone, the audiobooks he receives are far more than entertainment. They’re company. “Without the books I’d be totally lost,” he said.
After losing his guide dog a few years ago, he lost much of his independence. Listening to an audiobook has become part of his nightly routine.
Jessica Nicklin, another borrower, was left disabled after long COVID. Getting in and out of her home is difficult, and she’s unable to work.
She spends most of her days indoors, and the monthly book deliveries help break up the isolation.
“He’s always so cheerful,” she said. “And he brings me free books, I love it. He gets the books right every time, and it’s nice having that bit of socialisation.”
Darren says the value of the service isn’t just about what’s being delivered, it’s about why people need it. “If we can take 20-30 minutes out of our day to bring the books to them, instead of them trying to get to a library, then that means something,” he adds.
For Tony, Jessica and hundreds of others across Salford, Books@Home is more than a library service. It’s independence, company and a way to escape reality for a little while.
Residents who feel they would benefit from the service can sign up online through the Salford Community Leisure website under the Books@Home section.
The service is available to Salford residents who are elderly, have limited mobility, visual impairments, learning difficulties, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, or anyone who needs temporary support while recovering from illness or an operation.
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