Home Delivery Services-Newburyport Public Library
Are you unable to come to the library? Let the library come to you! Read below to learn more about the Home Delivery Service program and if you’re eligible. Limited spots available.
Who is eligible to participate in the Home Delivery Service program?
A Newburyport resident requesting the service is required to have a Newburyport library card in good standing and meet one of the following criteria:
- A disability and/or health issue which prevents an individual from visiting the Library.
- Mobility issues which prevent an individual from visiting the Library.
- Temporary physical limitations (or illness) which prevent an individual from visiting the Library for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months.
Home Delivery status may be permanent or temporary, though winter-only delivery is not available.
Limited spots are available for the Home Delivery Service Program. In the case that spots are full, you may request to be added to a waiting list and will be contacted as soon as a spot becomes available.
Who do I contact about the service?
Please contact a Reference Librarian at the second floor Reference Desk by phone 978-465-4428 x242 or email info@newburyportpl.org with any questions about the service, to place holds for delivery, or if you need to cancel the next delivery. Any staff member in the Reference Department can help.
What types of materials can I borrow?
You may borrow most library materials with standard check out periods (4 weeks), including fiction and non-fiction titles, large print titles, magazines, CD audiobooks, DVDs, and music CDs. Checkouts for home delivery patrons are limited to a maximum of 25 items. Hot Titles (7-Day Loans), Playaways, Commonwealth Catalog materials (available from libraries outside of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium), and Library of Things items (e.g., games, gadgets, etc.) are not eligible for Home Delivery.
How long can I keep materials I borrow?
Materials are delivered monthly and are granted a 4-week checkout period. With the exception of items with standing holds, items may be renewed for one additional 4-week period upon request. Please note, patrons who keep materials longer than the allotted checkout window risk not receiving home delivery until the materials are returned.
How will the Library know what I want?
You are welcome to place hold requests online or up to four hold requests per phone call with a Reference Librarian. If you receive permanent home delivery service, you may also ask the Librarian managing your account to select materials for you*. The Librarian will schedule a phone interview to fill out a questionnaire and establish your preferences for specific authors, genres, and formats. Chat with a Reference Librarian about any updates to your preferences.
*Temporary home delivery patrons are not eligible for Reader’s Advisory.
Who will deliver the library materials?
Books and other library materials will be brought to your home by a library staff member.
When can I expect delivery to my home?
Delivery schedules are set in advance with the Librarian managing your Home Delivery Service and take place once a month. The Librarian will call within a week in advance during the library’s hours of operation to confirm delivery of materials. Delivery dates are subject to change based on staff availability. Patrons will be notified in advance of any changes.
Are there any exceptions to the delivery schedule?
In cases where conditions arise that pose a risk to public health or safety, delivery of materials will be postponed until conditions are deemed safe for both patrons and staff. If the Library is closed due to inclement weather, delivery may take place another day that week.
May I come into the library if I’m feeling up to it? Or send someone on my behalf?
Absolutely! If sending someone on your behalf, please call ahead of time to give permission to your representative to access your account. We highly encourage you to send your library card with your representative for greater ease at check out, but we will also accept your telephone number. Items set aside for delivery are not available to check out during an in-person visit due to their storage location.
Ready to get started? A librarian will be in touch with you soon about availability!
Please keep in mind that procedures and policies are subject to change. Patrons who are part of the Home Delivery program will be notified of any changes.
