Library Express: Homebound and Books-by-Mail Service
Library Express Application
What is Library Express
Library Express is the homebound and books-by-mail service of the Natchitoches Parish Library which extends library services to residents of Natchitoches Parish who are physically unable to come to the library. Depending on an individual’s residence within the parish, library materials (books, DVDs, etc.) are either hand-delivered or mailed directly to their home.
Who is eligible to receive this service?
Natchitoches Parish residents who wish to utilize traditional library services but are physically unable to leave their home due to a permanent or temporary condition are eligible for Library Express services.
What qualifications must be met to receive this service?
To qualify for Library Express services, patrons must reside within Natchitoches Parish, have a valid library card in good standing, and meet the terms of the program.
What are the terms of the program?
Homebound
Natchitoches Parish residents who live within 15 miles of the main library location and are considered homebound are eligible to receive library materials hand-delivered to their home. Homebound is defined as having a condition that restricts a person’s ability to leave their place of residence either temporarily, due to illness or injury, or permanently, due to age, disability or other mobility problems.
Books-by-Mail
Natchitoches Parish residents who live farther than 15 miles from the main library location and are eligible to receive free matter for the blind and visually handicapped through the United States Postal Service (Publication 347) can receive library materials through the mail.
What if I do not have a Natchitoches Parish Library card?
During the initial home delivery, Bookmobile Staff will register the patron (Homebound or Books-by-Mail) for a library card if they do not already have one. Library Express registration forms, including library card number, will be maintained by Bookmobile Staff for use in checking out materials to patrons.
Is there a fee associated with this service?
Library Express is a free service provided by the Natchitoches Parish Library; however, Library Express patrons accept financial responsibility for lost or damaged items.
Are there restrictions on what materials may be checked out?
Library Express patrons may choose from a wide variety of materials and formats including regular and large print books, audiobooks and Playaways, magazines, and DVDs. Materials are selected individually for each patron according to the patron’s interests and requests. Because of the extended checkout period, materials provided to Library Express patrons must be at least six (6) months old.
How often are materials delivered/returned? How many items are delivered each time?
Homebound
Bookmobile Staff will hand-deliver approximately 10-15 items on a monthly basis to Homebound patrons. The previous month’s items will be returned during this same visit. Patrons are expected to keep track of and return loaned materials to Bookmobile Staff in a timely manner.
Books-by-Mail
Books-by-Mail patrons will receive approximately four (4) items, mailed in zippered pouches with reversible address labels for easy return, through the United States Postal Service. Upon receipt of loaned materials, Bookmobile Staff will mail out additional items. Patrons are expected to keep track of and return loaned materials to Bookmobile Staff in a timely manner.
How do I sign-up for Library Express?
Natchitoches Parish residents interested in Library Express may complete the following application online (CLICK HERE) and will be contacted by our Bookmobile Staff to arrange for an indtroduction to the program.
Alternatively, residents may print and complete the following application (CLICK HERE) and return to:
Natchitoches Parish Library
Library Express Service
450 Second St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Questions? Contact:
Bookmobile Staff
(318) 238-9231
bookschoolmobile@natlib.org
Please Note: All applications are subject to approval by library staff regarding eligibility for Homebound or Books-by-Mail service. Bookmobile Staff are able to select and deliver library materials to you, but are not able to assist in non-library related matters.
