Books by Mail Policy

The Russell County Public Library offers a books-by-mail program designed to improve access to the library by providing outreach service to the residents of Russell County who are homebound.
GOAL:
The book-by-mail program serves residents of Russell County who have difficulty in access to the full range of services at the public library because they are physically unable to travel to the library.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The availability of free books-by-mail service will be publicized through all channels used to promote public awareness of other library services.
2. Patrons will receive the catalog titles they request within seven working days if they are available. Titles that are unavailable will be reserved for patrons.
POLICIES:
1. The library will pay for all postage costs, and will not charge overdue fines.
2. The program will be administered and coordinated by the Outreach Librarian.
3. Each patron will be allowed a total of five books checked out at any time.
4. A separate books-by-mail collection shall be maintained, supplemented by the library’s main collection. Books-by-mail items may be loaned to any library patron and shall not be restricted in circulation to those patrons registered in the book-by-mail program.
5. The collection of titles in the books-by-mail program will include, but not be limited to, paperback books reflecting the current and varied interests of its patrons. Patrons will be encouraged to make recommendations for titles or specific areas of interest. Patrons may request books of favorite genres to be mailed to them. For example: Christian fiction, historical fiction, biographies, true crime, etc.
6. Service shall be provided to all residents in Russell County who do not have easy access to its public library, including the homebound and residents of institutions, regardless of their location in the county.
7. Statistics will be maintained on the uses of books-by-mail service, including number of users and circulation, cost data, and demographics for its operation. Reports will be submitted monthly to the library board.

Revised March 2009