Mexico Library Director Marilla Couch is starting a delivery service for patrons. (Rumford Falls Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

MEXICO — Looking for more ways to serve their patrons, the Mexico Public Library is introducing a Friday delivery service.

Marilla Couch, who became the library’s director in August, said, “This came about because we have a lot of elderly people who use the library and say it’s hard for them to get here. Some say, ‘I couldn’t get my book back on time because I didn’t have a ride.’”

She said someone with an active library card can receive books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and magazines delivered to their door.

Deliveries will take place on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., except in bad weather. Requests for deliveries need to be made before the library closes at 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Couch said to start this program, call the library at 207-364-3281. Patrons can request a particular author or genre to read. On the first visit, patrons will be requested to fill out a sign-up sheet to help with future visits.

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The librarians will locate an item or two for a reader to consider. The items will be checked out on the patron’s card. If an item is not to the patron’s liking, it will be taken back to the library and checked back in.

Couch and assistant librarian Delaney Welch, who is working 10 hours per week and attending Central Maine Community College in Auburn, will wear delivery badges during the Friday detail.

Couch said those who don’t have an active card can get one issued through the delivery service. Cards are free for Mexico residents, $15 per year nonresidents.

“I’m hoping this effort will attract new patrons or people who just haven’t used their cards in years,” she said.

Couch said postcards promoting the delivery service began circulating a month ago. Some were also sent to a couple of area senior housing facilities.

“It’s hard to tell whether or not this will take off, but I’ve had a lot of people express an interest in it,” Couch said. “I’m determined to make this work.”

Deliveries are limited to Mexico. If successful, the service will be expanded.

Library hours are Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

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