Funded in 1999, the intent of this mini-grant was to provide library services for homebound individuals, particularly those individuals living in assisted care facilities. As part of the project, deposit collections were placed at assisted care facilities. A homebound services coordinator was hired to oversee the project. This project works towards the goal of the Portsmouth Public Library to ensure that no one in Scioto County is denied library services due to their inability to visit the library personally. Direct delivery of library materials includes large print books, audiocassettes, large print magazines and DVS videos for the blind and visually impaired.
Clients fill out an application indicating the types of books they like to read.
Librarians then select books from the library's collection for delivery. The library keeps records of the books sent so clients never receive the same book. Homebound Services also provides library programming and programming materials to senior living facilities. The program has been phenomenally successful and continues to expand. Since the grant's termination in August 1999, the Portsmouth Public Library has picked-up funding for all components of the project.