Making the rounds: A readership program
Sometimes all a person wants is to curl up with a good book. But that’s harder to do for some people. Friends of the Library member Kay Hensgens says the Friends of the Library Outreach Program aims to help put books in the hands of people who may find it more difficult to go to the library.
Sometimes all a person wants is to curl up with a good book.
But that’s harder to do for some people. Friends of the Library member Kay Hensgens says the Friends of the Library Outreach Program aims to help put books in the hands of people who may find it more difficult to go to the library.
The program delivers to Lake View Cottages, Bayview Terrace, Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living and Care Center, and Harbor Point Apartments. Books are donated from the Arrowhead Library System and residents from the Two Harbors community and sorted and labeled by volunteers who also note where the program delivers the books. Hensgens says their readers seem to prefer large-print books in the mystery, western and romance genres.
The program was started about nine years ago by Two Harbors residents Cal Gruven and Meredith Medler. Hensgens has been a member of Friends of the Library since she moved to Two Harbors 15 years ago and has been involved with the Outreach Program for about six years.
Hensgens says books are a passion of hers.
“I love the library. I love the idea that I’m supplying people with reading material,” said Hensgens, who said she is a big reader. “I like to read. It gets you into a new world and broadens your view of things.”
The program has more than 250 books in circulation and delivers books about every six to eight weeks. Hensgens says their readers appreciate their services.
“They thank us. In one case, we heard one lady had read all the books we brought,” said Hensgens.
Bayview Terrace resident Al Swanson said he is a big fan of the large-print western books because of the adventure found in the genre and the horses. He also likes the larger font size and says it’s more comfortable to read.
“My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be even with glasses,” Swanson said.
Swanson says he’s grateful to the Library Outreach Program for providing this useful service and he plans to carry on using it. He says he’s been reading books from the program for two years and reads about three books a week. “I enjoy reading. It keeps the mind going,” he said.
Luckily for Swanson, Hensgens says the program plans to continue its work. She says she likes being involved and hopes to keep volunteering with the program. “As long I can, I’ll be around,” she said.
Tags: two harbors
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