Jonesboro, Arkansas – A new service from the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library is set to change how some residents access books, especially those who cannot physically make it to the building.
The library, located at 315 W. Oak Ave., has announced the launch of a free delivery initiative designed to bring reading materials directly to people’s homes. The program, called “Library to Go,” focuses on residents who face barriers such as illness, disability, or age-related limitations that prevent them from leaving their homes.
According to a Tuesday news release, the service will operate on a simple but structured schedule. Deliveries will take place on the first and third Monday of each month, giving eligible patrons a predictable window to receive new reading materials without needing to travel.
Each delivery can include up to four books per visit. Rather than random selection, the library staff will carefully choose titles based on personalized request lists submitted by participants. This approach is meant to ensure that readers still receive books that match their interests, even if they cannot browse shelves themselves.
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To qualify for the program, residents must meet several requirements. First, they must have an active library card, although a caregiver is allowed to obtain one on behalf of the person receiving the service. Second, participants must live within the Jonesboro city limits. Third, they must be unable to leave their home without significant assistance due to illness, disability, or age-related challenges.
The library has also outlined how deliveries will be handled once eligibility is confirmed. A patron, caregiver, or family member must be present to receive the books in person. However, in cases where in-person handoff is not possible, contactless delivery can be arranged as long as staff are able to confirm that the materials have been received.
Interest in the program is expected to come from a wide range of residents, including seniors, individuals recovering from medical conditions, and people living with long-term disabilities. Library officials say the goal is to maintain access to reading and learning even when mobility becomes a challenge.
To take part, residents or their caregivers must complete the Library to Go form. After submission, library staff will review the information, determine eligibility, and then contact applicants with the next steps in the process.
While the service is free, it represents a broader effort by the library to stay connected with the community beyond its physical walls. In many ways, the program extends the traditional role of a library, bringing books directly to those who might otherwise be cut off from them.
For additional details, residents can visit www.libraryinjonesboro.org or call 870-935-5133.