Local Library
Published on 28 April 2021 08:14 AM
Home Library Service
The Home Library Service (HLS) delivers books and other library items to people who find it difficult to get to their local library.
As an HLS customer you have books delivered free of charge, with a longer loan period than other customers. You do not pay for reservations from Kent libraries’ book stock, which means free access to all the book stock in the county. This is a vast collection with a good range of choice available, which is added to throughout the year.
Did you know?
There are other library services which you can use at home if you have a computer, tablet or smartphone.
-
You can use the online catalogue to find and reserve library books, DVDs, CDs and other items. These can then be delivered to you by a Home Library Service volunteer
-
You can download eBooks and eAudio books to read or listen to on your computer, tablet or smartphone, free of charge. An eBook is an electronic version of a printed book, and an eAudiobook is an electronic version of a book that you can listen to. You can borrow up to 10 eBooks and eAudiobooks at a time
-
You can read eNewspapers (electronic versions of newspapers) free of charge online using PressReader – there is a wide range of tiles available
-
You can also read eMagazines (electronic versions of magazines) free of charge online using RBdigital – there is a wide range of titles covering lots of different interests
-
You can use a wide range of online resources free of charge through the Kent Libraries website. These include historic newspapers and magazines, Encyclopedia Britannica, health information, music and more
-
If you would like help using the internet,our Touch a NewWorld scheme offers you the chance to borrow an iPad for up to 8 weeks and have 8 weekly guided training sessions with a dedicated volunteer
How libraries can help – Older people
Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives can help and support older people in the following ways:
-
Everyone is welcome in Kent libraries
-
We offer a fantastic selection of books for everyone, including books in large print and eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers which you can download and read on a computer, tablet or smart phone
-
We also offer audiobooks (talking books) and eAudiobooks and DVDs
-
You can order books and audiobooks from Kent Libraries’ catalogues for a small fee
-
We provide access to computer facilities free of charge
-
If you need help using a computer, many libraries have IT Buddies who can help you get online
-
Our online resources include a wide range of information which you can use on your own computer or in the library
-
Ask a Kent Librarian can help with questions and research. To contact them email AKL@kent.gov.uk, call 03000 416438 or chat online through our website www.kent.gov.uk/libs
-
We offer a free library card for people with disabilities or health problems which allows you to borrow books for six weeks with no late fines or reservation charges, additional time to use library computers and free black and white printing/photocopying – up to 20 pages per day
-
We offer a free Home Library Service for people unable to visit the library. Volunteers provide a home delivery service for books and other library items
-
We offer the Touch a New World scheme to people who are unable to visit the library. We can loan you an iPad for up to 8 weeks and offer one-to-one training in your own home from a volunteer
-
Many libraries host activities such as Talk Time Groups and Reading Groups
-
Our volunteering programme, Time2Give, provides a range of enjoyable and worthwhile volunteering opportunities
For more information ask at your local library, see www.kent.gov.uk/libs, or call 03000 41 31 31. Text relay 08001 03000 31 41 41
Download the Home Library Service leaflet here