Guille-Alles stops its home delivery service
Guille-Alles Library has stopped its home delivery service, which dispatched books to the elderly and vulnerable across the island.
About 40 islanders will be receiving their final deliveries from the service, which started in 2018, this week.
Adam Bayfield, head of marketing and customer services at the library Adam Bayfield confirmed the service in its current format was coming to an end.
‘It was originally set up through a grant from the Pargiter Trust, which stopped some years ago,’ he said.
‘Since then, we have done our best to keep it going by absorbing the running costs ourselves, but unfortunately it simply isn’t possible anymore.’
However, he added the library was looking at other options.
‘We are trying to find a way to keep it going in a different form and we’re exploring alternative funding opportunities, and working with other organisations to see if there’s potential for a partnership or a new model we can move to,’ he said.
‘We will do our absolute best to keep it going if we possibly can.’
The service had been particularly popular during the 2021 lockdown, when 415 home deliveries were made around the island.
Mr Bayfield said it was a service the library had been really proud of.
‘We know it’s been valuable to the people who’ve used it,’ he said.
‘We will be keeping in touch with all our service users as we work to find alternative solutions for them, but in the meantime I would encourage islanders to contact me directly at the library as I will gladly discuss the situation with them and see what more we can do to help.’
Age Concern chairman David Inglis was saddened to hear about the service’s closure.
‘This service has been a source of joy and connection for many older people in our community,’ he said.
‘For the 40 regular users, it wasn’t just about borrowing books – it was about maintaining a link to the outside world, engaging with their interests, and feeling valued.’
He said that while it understood the challenges of funding, Age Concern hoped that this was not the end of efforts to support older individuals in staying connected through reading and other forms of engagement.
‘Age Concern is committed to exploring ways we can help,’ he said.
‘We would welcome discussions with the library, or any other organisations, to find a solution.’
He added that he wanted to assure older people in the community that Age Concern was there for them.
‘If this closure affects you or someone you know, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support or advice,’ he said.
‘The news will undoubtedly upset those who have come to rely on this lifeline, and I share their disappointment.
‘Losing a service like this reminds us of the importance of ensuring that older people in our community continue to have access to opportunities that enrich their lives and combat isolation.’
