Home Library Service

The Library Service provides a free home delivery service for Richmond upon Thames residents who, because of age or disability, are unable to get to their local library and do not have anyone who can borrow and return items for them.

How does it work?

Once you have been enrolled for the service, a member of the library staff will contact you and fill in a detailed questionnaire about your reading tastes and the items you would like to borrow.

You will then be visited every four to six weeks at a regular time by a volunteer who will deliver your books, audiobooks, CDs or DVDs. There is no charge for any part of the service.

What may I borrow?

All library materials may be borrowed by members of the Home Library Service, including:

• Novels – in standard or large print, hardbacks and paperbacks
• Non-fiction books
• Books on hobbies and interests
• Books on health and your rights
• Books on history and travel
• Audiobooks
• Music compact discs
• DVDs

You may ask at any time for particular books that you would like to read. There may be a waiting list for the more popular titles.

The library will also try to provide you with any information you need – about the Council, the local area, welfare rights, transport, what’s on… You only have to ask.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining the Home Library Service or know someone who is, let us know.

• Email: libraries@richmond.gov.uk
• Telephone your local library
• Write to: Library Headquarters, The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond, TW9 1QH

The Home Library Service can only reach a limited number of people at any one time. It is therefore important that the service is provided for those people who need it most. This means that you may be asked to wait until there is a place available on the waiting list at your nearest library.