The mailbox opens, and inside is a familiar blue bag from the Library.
For some people, this is the highlight of the week.
Inside might be a stack of mystery novels, a favorite audiobook, a movie to watch in the evening, or large print books requested by someone who can no longer make the trip to the Library themselves. It may not seem like much at first glance, but for homebound patrons, these deliveries can mean comfort, routine, entertainment, and connection. It’s a reminder that someone is thinking about them.
“Books are such a window to the world when I can’t leave my home easily, and I don’t know what I’d do without those blue bags showing up on my doorstep to bring the Library to me,” said HomeConnect patron J.R. Hart.
HomeConnect is a Johnson County Library service that mails Library materials directly to cardholders who cannot visit the Library in person, whether temporarily or long term. Sometimes that means someone recovering from surgery, an older adult who no longer drives, or helping a caregiver who already has too much on their plate.
No matter the reason, the goal is simple: making sure people can still access the Library, even when getting out of the house is difficult.
What HomeConnect Looks Like
Johnson County Library serves approximately 270 active HomeConnect patrons and sends out around 100 bags of materials each week, totaling roughly 250 books, movies, audiobooks, and other items. Behind every delivery is a team of Library staff who take pride in creating a thoughtful, personalized experience for each patron. Librarians work directly with patrons and caregivers to learn about individual interests, favorite genres, accessibility needs, and personal preferences so that every delivery feels curated specifically for them.
For Hart, HomeConnect became much more than a delivery service. Through Library resources, she learned new crafts, explored recipe books, discovered language-learning tools, and found books that helped her better understand and advocate for her own health.
“As a disabled Library user, these books have helped me better advocate for my own care and find specialists and at-home lifestyle changes that can help improve my day-to-day life,” she said.
Whether someone is rediscovering a love of reading, exploring a new hobby, or finding comfort in familiar stories, this service is designed to meet people where they are and help them stay connected to the resources they want and need most.
Why It Matters
The need for services like HomeConnect is growing as more people experience isolation due to age, illness, disability, or limited mobility. According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, heart disease, and dementia.
For individuals who spend much of their time at home, staying mentally engaged and connected to the community becomes increasingly important. A Library delivery can provide entertainment, lifelong learning, comfort, and something to look forward to each week.
HomeConnect also supports caregivers by removing one more errand from already overwhelming schedules while helping loved ones remain engaged and connected from home.
Why We Want to Grow
As Johnson County’s population continues to age, the demand for accessible services like HomeConnect will continue to increase. More people are living alone, more families are stepping into caregiving roles, and more neighbors are quietly experiencing isolation.
Johnson County Library wants to continue growing HomeConnect so that more people can access the resources, entertainment, and connection the Library provides, regardless of their ability to visit a branch in person.
How You Can Help
If you or someone you love has benefited from HomeConnect, you already understand how meaningful this service can be.
A donation helps Johnson County Library expand HomeConnect, reach more homebound neighbor, and ensure more people stay connected through the Library they love.
Libraries are often thought of as places people go.
HomeConnect is a reminder that sometimes, the Library comes to you.
If you would like to learn more about supporting HomeConnect, please contact Shelley O’Brien at [email protected] or Melissa Stan at [email protected]