New Partnership Provides Book Delivery to Homebound Seniors
By Reginald Lewis - Office of Communication
Posted on July 21, 2014, July 21, 2014

New Partnership Provides Book Delivery to Homebound Seniors

The Arlington Public Library Foundation and Groupon Grassroots (http://grassroots.groupon.com), the philanthropic arm of Groupon, recently announced the launch of a local campaign to help the Arlington Public Library provide monthly delivery of library materials to participating homebound seniors.

The Books on Wheels campaign will be available on the Fort Worth Groupon Grassroots page beginning on Monday, July 21 and running through Sunday, July 27. Utilizing Groupon Grassroots' collective action model, Groupon subscribers can pledge support for the Books on Wheels initiative in increments $10.

Reading or listening to books for recreation and information can engage and stimulate the mind, but visiting the library to choose a good book is no longer an option for many seniors who have low vision or mobility issues. In fact, disability, low income, and lack of transportation may contribute to senior isolation. The Arlington Public Library's Books on Wheels program, which began in 2012, has helped to alleviate the isolation issue in the lives of participating seniors by providing regular "friendly visits" and library materials. Through this Groupon campaign, the Foundation hopes to raise $10,000 to serve 150 seniors.

"We're excited to leverage the collective action model of Groupon Grassroots to raise support for Books on Wheels," said Andi Davis, Library Development Coordinator. "We look forward to creating new awareness for the Arlington Public Library Foundation as one of the local organizations in Arlington to be featured on Groupon Grassroots."

One hundred percent of the Groupon Grassroots campaign proceeds will be used to provide book bags, carts, and book return bins for volunteers; large-print books and audiobooks for program participants; and promotional items to publicize the service.

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