Homelink Keeps 91-Year-Old Reading
At 91, avid reader and Homelink user Mavis Carter happily works her way through up to a dozen books each week. She reads so voraciously that she often finds herself running out of material. For the past five years, she has relied on the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) Homelink service — a lifeline for people who can’t visit the library in person.
Every fortnight, Homelink volunteer Linda Hemingway arrives at Mavis’s door with fresh bags of carefully selected books. “It’s the most wonderful service and I couldn’t live without it,” Mavis says. She describes Homelink as “brilliant” and eagerly looks forward to each visit, which she marks proudly on her calendar.
Mavis enjoys discovering books she wouldn’t normally pick herself and praises the variety and selection she receives. Her favourites include old royal stories, especially around Elizabeth I, lighthouse tales, The Gown by Jennifer Robson (which she has read twice), and books by Billy Hopkins. Like many dedicated readers, she keeps track of what she’s read by initialling “MDC” on the sheet inside each book; when she spots her initials, she sometimes puts the book to the bottom of the pile but often ends up happily rereading it anyway. Over time, the regular deliveries have become a warm friendship, with Linda tailoring her visits to what people prefer from a friendly chat inside to a simple drop-off at the door.
MCHL’s Homelink service provides home delivery of books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and puzzles for people who are unable to visit the library due to age, disability, illness, injury, or other circumstances. Items are selected based on each person’s interests. Feilding residents receive deliveries every two weeks, while rural residents can discuss alternative arrangements. The library is always looking for new recipients to enjoy this free community service, as well as volunteers who are willing to deliver items and brighten someone’s day.
Signing up for Homelink is free and easy. Simply complete the online registration form. After registration, anticipate a call within three working days for further discussion. If you are not a current MCHL member, you can easily sign up online for free.
For more information and to sign up online, visit Homelink | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries
Recipient Mavis Carter (91) and volunteer Linda Hemingway sit together during one of Linda’s regular Homelink visits.