Started in September 2013, Library To-Go is the Calcasieu Parish Public Library’s solution to serving the Parish’s most vulnerable and underserved citizens.
It is also one of the fastest growing services.
Persons who are unable to visit a library due to age, illness, or physical limitation can register with Library To-Go and receive free, convenient delivery of library materials to their front door.
In 2018, the program delivered over 13,000 items to individuals’ homes and over 22,000 items to various nursing and rehabilitation facilities around the Parish.
Library To-Go users can check out any library materials through the service that a patron visiting a library location can. Even special equipment, such as page magnifiers and CD players (for audiobooks), can be checked out.
DeQuincy resident, Pauline Shirley, has used the service since the beginning.
“I thoroughly enjoy it,” says Shirley. “Anyone who reads would love the service. Not only for reading, but for the Library To-Go workers who are very pleasant to talk to. They bring so much sunshine to shut-ins.”
Patrons range from the very young to the very old, and Library To-Go can customize the delivery to meet the special needs of each.
“I appreciate the Inter-Library Loans that Library To-Go set up for me,” Shirley adds. “Books that I read as a girl I can enjoy reading again!”
The outreach program has been so successful, Library To-Go now reaches out to the community by participating in festivals, health fairs, and farmers’ markets.
They also collaborate with local organizations such as The Care Center of DeQuincy, The DeQuincy L.I.F.T. Group, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Elderly Services.
In 2018, over 100 events were attended and over 8,100 patrons stopped by and visited with the staff. In addition, over 400 visits to facilities were logged.
Library To-Go operations are currently based in the Maplewood Outreach Center located at 91 Center Circle. Patrons or facilities interested in starting the home delivery service can call 337-721-7148 to speak to one of the Outreach Librarians.
Those interested can also sign up online at www.calcasieulibrary.org or pick up an application at any branch of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System.
