When William White, director of the Troy Public Library, sees a need he acts on it. When he has an opportunity he seizes it.

After five years at the helm of the public library, White is keenly aware of the needs of the library and its patrons and when need and opportunity come together the result is always beneficial.

White recently saw a need at the Troy Public Library and he viewed the need as an opportunity to provide extended services to the library’s patrons.

“I have come to know a great many seniors who frequent the library, and over the years, they have voiced concerns over the possible limitations that accompany advanced age, such as relinquishing their freedom to drive and visit the library,” White said. “This greatly concerns them, and so it concerns me.”

Because the Troy library is a public library, it serves everyone in the community, no matter their age, race, gender, education level, or socioeconomic status.

“And we try to provide the best collection, programs, and services we can,” White said. “So, I’ve decided to make sure that library services will extend to those who are unable to visit the library by developing and implementing a homebound delivery service.”

The patron will be asked to complete a one-page application, as well as a form of request that lists the types of materials available at the Troy Public Library.

“The patrons will select the types of items they prefer, the subject matter they are interested in, specific titles and authors preferred and so forth,” White said. “One day each month I will deliver library materials and collect outstanding materials. Included in each delivery will be a new request form to be completed, which will indicate what materials to include in the next delivery.”

The home delivery patrons will have almost a month’s use of the materials and, because the service is managed by the library staff, no late fees will be incurred.

The library is now accepting applications from patrons within the city limits of Troy who wish to utilize library services, but who are unable to visit the facility due to advanced age or physical disability.

“This service is provided free of charge by the Troy Public Library,” White said. “We are committed to improving the quality of life for our library patrons and to making our services available to everyone within our area.”