Toms River, NJ - The Ocean County Library is pleased to announce the restoration of its popular, free Home Borrower Service, which provides items for patrons who cannot physically visit a branch. The service is available through all OCL branches.

The Home Borrower Service was paused in March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operations officially resumed Wednesday, July 26.

Trained, background-checked volunteers visit homes of patrons in the program every three weeks, to deliver and retrieve regular or large print books and audiobooks. Patrons are welcome to choose their favorite genres, authors, and formats.

Volunteers are matched to patrons in their own communities. Lists of previously-borrowed items by each patron are kept in strict confidence by program volunteers.

A physician’s verification form is required for eligibility to use the Home Borrower Service. Applicants receive forms upon submitting requests for participation.

More information about OCL’s Home Borrower Service can be found at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/services/homebound-services/home-borrowers-service. Patrons and prospective volunteers can email [email protected]  or call (732) 349-6200, extension 5530.