Homebound Delivery Policy

Homebound service will be provided to residents of Belmont, MA who are not able to come to the library. “Homebound” is defined as being generally confined to the residence either permanently or temporarily. 

Library Card Registration/Use

Each homebound patron can register for a library card if s/he does not already have one. Patrons can be mailed an application by the library, and mail it back filled out (no photo id verification needed.) A family member, friend, or other volunteer can bring an application to a new patron and return it to the library filled out with a copy of a valid photo id for the patron. New Library cards will be mailed. Accounts cannot be created over the phone.

Delivery Schedule/Loan Period

Materials will be delivered once a month by the Belderbus, and additionally when possible by Library volunteers. Canvas bags will be supplied for deliveries. Each bag will have an affixed name placard with the patron’s information. At the time materials are delivered, the items from the previous delivery will be retrieved and returned to the library. Contact the Library if you’d like to add another person listed on your account to pick up your materials.

Materials

Please make requests online, or call the Circulation Department if needed. Items from other libraries will be subject to that library’s borrowing policies. The replacement costs will apply for damaged or lost items from any library. Items will have a 1 month loan period, with 1 available renewal. All formats of materials are eligible for homebound delivery, but items in high demand may be excluded.

Delivery Guidelines 

We request that homebound patrons follow our behavior policy when interacting with staff and volunteers. The drivers can wait for up to 5 minutes for patrons to open the door to receive their deliveries.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call and speak to the Circulation Supervisor at 617-489-2000.

Adopted August 27, 2015

Amended November 21st, 2024