Home Library Service

Contact details and more information about the Home Library Service.

Would you like to borrow library books but are unable to visit the library for any reason? If you’re finding it difficult to get to a library, the Home Library Service may be able to help.

The Home Library Service is run by Oxfordshire County Council and serves hundreds of customers across the county. With the help of volunteers, it looks after and delivers books and audio-visual items to those who struggle to physically visit a library due to their personal circumstances. The service is completely free of charge to customers, many of whom are elderly or housebound, and it can also be used on a short-term basis following illness or hospitalisation. Those with carer responsibilities are also welcome to apply.

Alice Smith, 92, from Witney “I’d had a stroke and my husband had dementia and couldn’t get out much. The Home Library Service is a godsend.”

Volunteer Paul Lelliott, 49 from Witney said: “It gives you an opportunity to speak to someone else about books and meet people you wouldn’t normally talk to.”

How it works

Contact us to discuss the kind of books, Large Print/Regular Print, DVDs, Audio Books on CD, Music CD or DVDs, that you like to read or enjoy.  We can then arrange for a library volunteer to deliver these to you in your home.  Our volunteers are DBS checked, wear an identification badge and provide a helpful and friendly service.  Whenever possible, we try and arrange for the same volunteer to visit you each time.  Your library materials will be delivered and collected every three weeks.  The Home Library Service is free of charge, and there is no charge for requests or late returns.

How to register

To register for this service or for further information call your local library or telephone the Home Library Service on 01865 810259 or email homelibraryservice@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Volunteers are needed in all areas across Oxfordshire

If you would like to be considered for a volunteering role with the Home Library Service, your local library manager or one of our partner volunteer organisations will be delighted to see you.

You should be prepared to:

  • Agree to a DBS check
  • Undertake training
  • Add volunteer use to your motor insurance policy if you will be using
    your car to visit your clients
  • Commit to a regular schedule of visits
  • Record the hours that you volunteer

How to become a volunteer

To register or for further information call the Home Library Service on 01865 810259 or email homelibraryservice@oxfordshire.gov.uk.