What exactly is Outreach?

Books on Board (BoB), the RHPL Bookmobile

Often, when patrons wander into the outreach department on the first floor, they’re uncertain what we do, who we are, and even if they’re allowed in the room! It can be confusing, so let’s try to clear it up a little. Quite simply, outreach is a department much like youth services and adult services. What is slightly different is that those departments have a strong focus on youth or teen and adult. The outreach room provides adult large print reading materials, typically used by senior adults, a selection of magnifiers, and MYLE Kits. But we also provide materials and services to every other age group through our “outreach”.  Outreach’s goal is to reach any group that may need assistance in using the library. Let’s break it down.

1. Main Library: Anyone can visit the Outreach Department to seek assistance finding a book, movie, kit, etc., using a computer, printing, copying, getting help with their tablets, placing holds, requesting an item through MelCat, and so much more!

2. Bookmobiles: Outreach staffs two bookmobiles. Books on Board, or BoB, is our community bookmobile that has collections for babies through seniors. Patrons may also pick up holds at the bookmobile and return main library items to the bookmobile. Anyone is welcome to visit this bookmobile. 

The Blue Bus

Our Early Literacy Bus visits child care centers and pre-schools throughout our service area. Its collection is for kids 0-5 only, plus older youth books during the summer months for camps. The librarian presents a storytime to each classroom, and the kids and teachers visit the bookmobile to pick books for their classrooms. For the safety of the locations we visit, this bookmobile is only for them. 

3. Oakland Talking Book Service-OTBS is the library for the blind and print disabled and is part of the National Library Service. Anyone may qualify for the service based on specific criteria. Patrons receive a talking book player and cartridges with talking books on them. They may also use BARD, or Braille and Audio Download, to download books directly to their computer, smartphone, or tablet. Patrons can also request to receive large print books and descriptive DVDs through the mail with this service. Finally, through the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing, patrons may receive Braille materials as well.

4. Mini-branches-RHPL provides new books to five locations throughout our service area within senior living facilities and the OPC. These are facilitated by an outreach librarian and run by volunteers who live in or frequent each location. Residents of these facilities can also request materials from the Main library and MelCat to be delivered to their location.

5. Books by Mail-Outreach librarians select, prepare, and send library materials to residents who may not be able to get to the library on their own for whatever reason. There are restrictions on what we are able to send. Our OTBS patrons may receive large print or descriptive DVDs along with their talking books.

6. English Language Learners (ELL): Outreach staff lead various discussion groups for those learning English. We offer three discussion groups, two book discussion groups-one is for newer learners and the other is more advanced-, and American Culture. Each of these programs encourages learners to practice their English skills and learn about American customs.

As you can see, the outreach department is a bustling team offering varied and vital services to the entire RHPL community! If you or anyone you know needs one of our services, please contact us directly at 248-650-7150. 

This post was written by Mary Davis, Head of Outreach Services at Rochester Hills Public Library