Mary Byrne
Books on Wheels has been delivering library material to doorsteps around Belmont for nearly a decade.
“I began the program shortly after I began in my role in 2015,” said Library Director Peter Struzziero. “It’s a good program, but we’d be happy to see more sign-ups and more folks utilizing it. We could add many more users without reaching our capacity.”
According to Struzziero, library card-holding residents who are eligible — anyone confined to their residence either temporarily or permanently — can schedule a phone call with library staff to begin receiving the delivery service.
“We have a once-a-month delivery, but we also seek volunteers to help supplement and make deliveries more often when needed,” he said.
According to the library website, Belmont Public Library canvas bags will be supplied for deliveries. Each bag will have an affixed name placard with the patron’s name, home address, telephone number, and other contact information.
Materials are delivered on the third Thursday of each month by a BelderBus Driver from the Council on Aging.
With a new library building under construction, Struzziero is reviewing the program. The former library building closed on Nov. 22, 2023, and library services were dispersed around town. Adult library services operate from the Beech Street Center; children’s services have moved to the Benton Library on Oakley Road, and some staff and administration work from the Chenery School.
Struzziero said that aging in place is essential and that supporting the library’s patrons is “the highest priority.”
“We want to continue to serve our residents, whether they can make it into the library or not,” he said. “A large percentage of our business is done virtually, and many services are offered outside of the library building. It’s always been a goal to make our operation an outward-facing organization, and we’re proud to bring the library literally out into the community, right to your doorstep.”
