Mentor Library Program Brings Books To Readers' Doors

"Keep them coming," retired school teacher Vicky Barden shouts to employees Pam Rose and Leslie Pernus.

Barden, 95, is no longer able to make it to library herself, but she can still satiate her thirst for books -- she averages 20 in a month -- with the library's homebound services program.

Every four weeks, Rose, the library's community outreach coordinator, and Pernus, a circulation clerk, deliver books, DVDs, CDs and more to about 85 people who cannot come to the library because of illness, injury or age.

Barden said the books that Rose delivers open the world up to her.

"Every time Pam brings me books it is like Christmas in July," she said. "Books are my whole world. She brings the whole world to my door month after month. (With a book) you can be any place in the world you want to be. The words will take you there. You are having the best life there is. I can go to my favorite places. I can go to Paris and eat escargot… be in Vienna in 1898."

Additionally, Rose and Pernus said they enjoy bringing people their books, movies and more.

"These people are so happy to see us," Pernus said. "It brightens up their day. This is a great job and very rewarding for me. I try to spend a few moments with them and ask them how they are feeling."

Pernus added that she is inspired by many of the patrons she visits because they maintain “good attitudes even in the worst situations.”

"Some of them have touched my life and I will never forget them," she said.

Rose said her homebound work was one of her favorite responsibilities at the library.

 "I am learning from their example," Rose said about the patrons who use the homebound service. "They are a wealth of knowledge and provide insight into what life was like for them in their early years. This also helps me understand what they need from us. Personally, their zest for life is inspiring."

The homebound service covers the library's service area, which is identical to the Mentor Schools district and includes the cities of Mentor, Mentor-on-the Lake and parts of Concord Township.

For  more information on the homebound service program, contact Rose at (440) 255-8811 ext. 204.