Library is brought to woman's home in Barnham

Pat is among the 50 or so readers who are visited regularly by 21 volunteers from Bognor Regis Library with a selection of their favourite books.

Ann Collis, the co-ordinator of its housebound library service, calls at Pat's flat every three weeks with an armful of her favourite reads.

The armchair library delivery has been a literary lifeline for Pat, 91, of Windmill Court, for the past five years. It enables her to extend her lifelong habit of always having a book on the go.

"Having these books means everything to me," she said. "I've always read and I still read a lot. I have six books every three weeks.

"Ann knows exactly what I like. She brings me everything I need."

Pat's favourite volumes are to be found in the autobiography, travel, thriller, animal and France sections of the library.

As a registered blind person, she has the large-print versions of the books. She is also a keen listener of audio books on CDs.

Pat urged other book readers in her position to ensure they were taking advantage of the chance to keep up their reading habit.

"It's a wonderful service. I can't get to the library because of arthritis and I wouldn't have any books if it wasn't for Ann," she stated.

Former library worker Ann, 74, took on the role of co-ordinating the free service's 21 volunteers based at Bognor Library after she retired a few years ago

She said she wanted to raise awareness among those who would benefit the most from it.

"The people I take the books round to really appreciate it and the other volunteers say the same," she stated.

"Sometimes, the volunteers can be the only person who has time to chat to the readers and have a cup of tea with them."

Applications to join the service can be made through Bognor and Willowhale libraries as well as those around the county.

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