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Services

Books-by-Mail

Reading is a lifeline that connects people to information they need and stimulation they crave. For homebound, elderly, and disabled people, a good book can be as important as a good friend. The Books-by-Mail program is a free service to provide books to individuals who are not able to visit the library due to a physical long- or short-term disability, illness, age-related challenges, or those without adequate means of transportation.

Guidelines

  • MRL will lend books and audiobooks to patrons who are homebound due to a physical disability, visual impairment, or long-term convalescence. 
  • All participants must complete the Books-by-Mail application found below.
  • Participants may borrow up to four items per delivery
  • Items are loaned out for four weeks. Items may be renewed once, for an additional four weeks, unless an item has been requested by another individual.
  • Requests for new items and renewals should be made via phone message or email with the Adult Outreach Coordinator.
  • Patrons will not be allowed to borrow new items until overdue items are returned.
  • Patrons will be charged the list price plus a $5 processing fee for any item that is lost or damaged beyond repair.
  • Items will arrive in a Massanutten Regional Library bag. To return items, place them back in the bag, close the bag using the enclosed zip tie, flip the mailing label to the side with the library's address, and place the bag in the mail. No postage required.

For more information regarding the Books-by-Mail program, contact Andrew Shantz, Adult Outreach Coordinator: 

You can fill out and submit the below application online. If you prefer a printed application, you can download it here to fill out, print, and return to: 

Adult Outreach
Massanutten Regional Library
174 S Main St
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Books-by-Mail Application

First Name *
Last Name *
Country
Address Line 1 *
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Eligibility Criteria: Select all that apply.
Service Plan (select one option)
Format (Select your preferences. Up to four books are shipped at a time)

Genre Options (Select your favorites IF you selected "Reader's Advisory" for your Service Plan)

Fiction
Non-Fiction:
I understand that I assume financial responsibility for the materials I receive. I will make sure the materials are returned to the Massanutten Regional Library. I agree to pay for the items if lost or damaged.
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