Home help … Sunshine resident and great-grandmother Veronica James loves spending her afternoons reading. 56021 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Natalie Gallenti
EVERY month Veronica James waits for a Brimbank Council volunteer to bring her a bag full of books.
The 85-year-old great-grandmother stopped visiting Sunshine Library years ago and now relies on the kindness of others.
Mrs James is housebound and spends hours each afternoon sitting by her kitchen window reading novels – something she has done for decades.
But without volunteers to bring her beloved books, the Sunshine resident wouldn’t be able to do this.
That’s why Brimbank Council is calling on the community to assist in the delivery of its Home Library Service.
The service is available to residents who are unable to visit their local library due to illness, frailty or a disability.
Volunteers deliver books, CDs, DVDs, audio books in English and 13 other languages, and then return the items on their behalf.
She said volunteers often became close friends and she looked forward to their visits once a month.
Mrs James urged residents to take up the call and volunteer some of their spare time.
“People should give it a try.
“I wish I was young enough to volunteer and give people the same pleasure I get.
“The council has been so good to me and it takes the pressure off my family.”
And as for choosing the right book? “I like romance novels, but sometimes the books are too hot for me and I have to turn the page.”
Anyone interested in volunteering should attend information sessions held this week.
Volunteers will be offered training and ongoing support and, where possible, are matched to Brimbank residents.
To register interest, contact Brenda on 9249 4790.
