Miami-Dade Public Library System

Connections: Library Service for the Homebound
2455 NW 183 Street, Miami, FL 33056
305-474-7251 Fax/TDD: 305-474-7258
Email: connections@mdpls.org

Connections: Library Service for the Homebound provides books-by-mail service to individuals of all ages who are unable to visit the library in person due to chronic illness, physical disability and frailties of age. Special outreach programming services to facilities and groups who serve the elderly are also available.

Books-By-Mail

• What is it? Library materials including regular and large print books, foreign language books, video tapes, audio book cassettes, and compact discs are mailed to patrons.
• Who is eligible? Patrons of all ages who live within the library's taxing district and who are physically unable to come to the library. The frail elderly, chronically ill, physically disabled, caregivers or those without adequate means of transportation may all qualify. Patrons, who can ONLY read large print books due to a visual impairment and who file the "Certification of Disability" form with our office, qualify for the Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped postal subsidy.
• How do I join? Call for an application form or print the application form.
• How does it work? Patrons phone or mail in requests by title, subject or type of material, and/or ask us to select for them. Convenient nylon bags transport materials back and forth by mail.
• What does this service cost? Patron pays only the return postage, or bags may be brought directly to a branch library or bookmobile.

Services for Facilities and Groups

• Who is eligible? Senior centers, nursing homes, convalescent centers, ALF's (adult living facilities), retirement residences, geriatric and rehabilitation units at hospitals, and local agencies, organizations and groups who serve older adults. The facility must be located within the library's taxing district.

What services are available?

• Book Deposit Collections - small revolving, lending libraries loaned free-of-charge. Collections are composed of regular and large print books for use by the clients of the facility. The size of the collection, the genre and language assortment, and the frequency of exchange are determined with input from the facility. Print Application

• Programming Resources - educational, recreational, and cultural programming materials loaned free. Activity and Senior Center Directors, Teachers, Program Chairpersons, Intergenerational Group Leaders - all may use these multisensory materials to help make their programs and visits with older adults unforgettable! Resources include Bi-Folkal Kits and Mini-Kits; Visit Kits; Slideas; Actiphiles; Picture Sets; videotapes and DVD's; and assorted book resources. Print Application

• Outreach Programming - designed to bring quality library programming to nursing homes, convalescent centers, ALF's (adult living facilities), retirement residences, senior centers and clubs. Programs include informational presentations on library resources, book talks and slide/tape shows. Scheduling is required.