Manatee County Government

Manatee Library offers free delivery of library materials to patrons who cannot access our facilities due to a temporary or long-term physical or visual disability. 

We offer two options for Homebound Delivery Services: 

• Books by Mail: Receive library materials at your residence through the United States Postal Service's Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons program.
• Homebound Delivery: Receive library materials at your residence on a scheduled basis.
  

Please complete the application and agreement forms below. We will contact you to discuss eligibility for the program and which Homebound Service may be best for you.

Other authorized individuals, such as an activity director, family, neighbor, nursing staff 

Applicants must submit this Application and Services Agreement to be considered for Homebound Delivery Services (Books by Mail and Homebound Delivery). Please read and sign the agreement below to complete your application.

• Only large print materials, audiobooks on CD, and Playaways in our regular collection may be mailed. No interlibrary loan items or those listed as “New.”
• Up to 3 items may be mailed at a time. Items will be returned in the mail.
• Patrons may not have more than 6 items from Books by Mail services checked out at a time. Services will be suspended until materials are returned.
• Library materials are checked out for 45 days. Patrons may call to inquire about renewing materials.
• Books by Mail bags may only be used for library materials. No donations or other items may be included.
• This service is intended for the applicant only and is not to be used for visitors or other residents.

• Library materials will be delivered to a homebound patron’s residence by library staff members or volunteers.
• Materials are limited to the regular collection only. No interlibrary loan items or those listed as “New.” Library of Things items and special collections such as puzzles cannot be delivered.
• Library materials are checked out for 45 days. All materials must be returned by the next delivery date. Patrons may call prior to scheduled pick-up to inquire about renewing materials.
• There is a limit of up to 10 items per delivery. Patrons may not have more than 10 items from Homebound Delivery services checked out at a time. Services will be suspended until materials are returned.
• Items will be delivered in a blue bag with the Manatee Library logo on it.
• For patrons in independent housing: Library staff and volunteers will not cross the threshold of the door to enter your home. All deliveries and returns must be left outside in the waterproof bag or take place at the door. If returns are expected, but are not available, new items will not be left. Library staff will contact you to set up an alternate delivery time if possible. Waterproof bags must be returned during each return and may not be used for any other purposes other than library materials. 
• For patrons in group or assisted housing: Library staff and volunteers will only deliver materials to the front desk. All deliveries will be made in a library tote bag. If returns are expected, but are not available, new items will not be left. Library staff will contact you to set up an alternate delivery time if possible. Tote bags must be returned during each return and may not be used for any other purposes otherthan library materials. If facility management does not allow for deliveries to be left at the front desk, patrons should apply for our Books by Mail service.
• By participating in Homebound Delivery, you agree to provide a safe and appropriate environment for our staff and volunteers. Some examples of an unsafe environment include, but are not limited to:
  • If any person in the home presents threatening behavior or harasses the library’s representative.
  • If pets are not confined (with the exception of services animals trained to assist a disabled person).
  • If any person in the home exhibits signs of illness that may jeopardize the health of the library’s representative.
  • If conditions in the home/property are unsafe or unsanitary.
• Delivery bags may only be used for library materials. No donations or other items will be accepted.
• Library staff and volunteers cannot assist you in locating materials in your dwelling.
• Library staff and volunteers cannot accept payment for lost/damaged items.
• Payment must be mailed or dropped off in person at one of our library branches.
• Library staff and volunteers cannot provide assistance with technology such as app access, WiFi access, or website searching. These services may be offered at our physical branches and Lobby Stop services.
• This service is intended for the applicant only and is not to be used for visitors or other residents.

Acknowledgment

I/we agree to the Services Agreement provided above and give permission to Manatee County Public Library and its representatives to retain and review a record of my library materials in order to manage my account without duplications. I/we understand that I am responsible for all library materials while they are in my possession and agree to pay for any damaged or lost materials. The Library reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges when materials are overdue, lost, or when checkout limits have been reached.