Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Serves Residents Who Can’t Visit Physical Libraries

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is pleased to announce the Library by Mail program, a free service that sends library materials including books (regular and large print), audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs and international language materials to the homebound through the mail.  This service is available to any Erie County resident who is temporarily or permanently unable to visit a physical library due to lack of transportation or because of an illness or disability, that makes them homebound.

At no cost to them, users can borrow up to three items at once with a borrowing period of six weeks; items can be renewed for an additional six weeks by contacting Library by Mail staff.  Residents are able to choose the materials they want to borrow or work with Library staff for recommendations.  Materials arrive in a prepaid postage canvas bag, which also serves as the return envelope; borrowers simply place items in the bag, reverse the address label, and return via the U.S. Postal Service.

“The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is committed to providing free and equal access to recreational and informational resources,” said Library Director Mary Jean Jakubowski.  “This means working to identify and eliminate the barriers that prevent Erie County residents from accessing valuable Library services.  Launching the Library on WheelsBookmobile in 2016 allowed us to reach rural populations that do not have physical libraries, and the Library by Mail service will help us provide enriching and entertaining materials to an often-overlooked part of the community.”

To learn more and apply for Library by Mail service, residents should call 716-858-7156 or email librarybymail@buffalolib.org. This service is available to all Buffalo & Erie County Public Library cardholders.  For more information, including instructions for getting a library card, call the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System at 716-858-8900 or visit www.BuffaloLib.org.