Monroe Free Library Launches Homebound Delivery Service for Mobility-Limited Residents

Monroe Free Library announced a new Homebound Delivery Service Program to serve cardholders who cannot visit the building because of a temporary or permanent disability, mobility limitation, or other health-related condition. The program was detailed by the library in a Feb. 17, 2026 communication and will begin enrollment immediately by phone and paper application.

The library described the service as designed "to ensure continued access to library materials for residents who may otherwise be unable to borrow items in person." Eligibility is limited to Monroe Free Library cardholders who meet the mobility or health criteria specified in the announcement.

Program operations include an intake interview and staff-curated selections. "After an initial interview, library staff will curate a personalized selection of materials based on each participant’s interests, or patrons can place items on hold themselves," the library notice says. Deliveries will be scheduled; "Deliveries are currently available by appointment only," and patrons are asked to coordinate returns so "Patrons notify staff when materials can be picked up, and new materials will then be delivered."

Monroe Free Library emphasized borrower-friendly terms for the service: "No late fees ever accrue for items borrowed through the Homebound Delivery Service." Residents and caregivers were urged to enroll: "Residents interested in enrolling, or caregivers assisting someone who may benefit from the service, are encouraged to contact the library. Enrollment may be initiated by calling 845-783-4411, completing a paper application. Library staff will follow up to gather additional information and arrange the initial delivery."

The library’s public notices also include operational details relevant to prospective participants. Monroe Free Library’s site and social posts state the branch has "returned to its normal schedule of operation" and that "A mask is required to enter the building." The library’s social media handle appears as @monroefreelibrary on Instagram, and the site mentions curbside pickup beginning on June 22 and a closure on Saturday, July 4, alongside outdoor seating and Wi‑Fi amenities.

This program joins other Monroe-area examples of home-delivery services, though officials stressed these are separate institutions. The Monroe County Public Library runs a longstanding homebound program; staff there say "The staff of the Monroe County Public Library’s homebound program don’t think of themselves as a delivery service. It’s more like a house call - the kind a doctor might make - for patrons with significant mobility issues." The Herald-Times photo caption names Jared Cheek as senior information assistant at Monroe County Public Library and credits Rich Janzaruk for a delivery photo. Chris Jackson, special audiences strategist quoted in coverage, noted MCPL's program began as a home delivery service in 1972.

Monroe Public Library in Monroe, Wisconsin, offers a model using volunteers and a monthly delivery schedule. That library instructs residents to "Call the library at 608-328-7010, email Olivia at oroe@monroepubliclibrary.org, or fill out this intake form" and lists deliveries to specific care facilities including Monroe Health Services and Pleasant View Nursing Home.

To enroll in Monroe Free Library’s Homebound Delivery Service, call 845-783-4411 or complete a paper application; library staff will follow up to arrange the first delivery.