Outreach Services

Outreach Services provides:
  • informational and educational sessions and presentations about services we offer
  • tabling at booths for fairs, festivals, open houses, and other special events
  • materials for individuals who are unable to physically visit the library due to disability, injury, illness, or visual impairment. We have two free options for receiving items. Books by Mail utilizes the postal service to mail materials to a person’s residence, while Homebound Delivery provides contactless delivery of items to an individual’s address.

Library Access for Homebound Residents

Manatee Library offers free delivery of library materials to Manatee County library patrons who are not able to access our facilities due to a temporary or long-term physical or visual disability. While there is no fee for this service, any lost or damaged items would be the responsibility of the patron.

Books by Mail

A registration form for this service must be on file in order for a patron to borrow by mail. Materials may only be mailed to a Manatee County address. A patron must also apply for a Manatee County library card if he/she is not presently a member. A printable form is available by emailing [email protected].

Books by Mail Online Registration Form

Formats available through this program include:
  • Large print materials
  • Audiobooks (on CD)
  • Playaways (pre-loaded MP3 players that require headphones and batteries)

Via Books by Mail, patrons may borrow up to three items at a time. All items circulate for a six-week period and may be renewed by calling the library or managing the account through the library’s online catalog. The library staff will use the information about reader preferences from the registration form to select items for the patron. Patrons can also select their own items.

All patrons must agree to provide access to their reading records in order for staff to avoid duplicate mailings of materials. Interlibrary Loans cannot be requested through Books by Mail.

Books by Mail patrons may also come to the library and use their card as a regular borrower. All materials checked out in person at the library will have regular loan periods and MUST be returned in person (not via the US Postal Service). A family member, friend, or caregiver CAN bring your library card to the library and check out any materials for you.

For additional questions, see FAQs below, or to register, please call (941) 748-5555, ext. 8552 or email [email protected]

Forms may also be mailed to:

Outreach Services
Central Library
1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West
Bradenton, FL 34205-7522 

Books by Mail Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible? How do I register?

Any Manatee County library patron who is not able to access library facilities due to temporary or long-term physical or visual disability. Although there is no fee for this service, you will be asked to pay for any lost or damaged items.

If you already have a library card, fill out a “Books By Mail” form and return to:

Central Library, c/o Charity Lees
1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West
Bradenton, FL 34205

If you DO NOT have a library card or need a copy of the “Books by Mail” form, please contact Charity Lees at (941) 748-5555, ext. 8552 or [email protected].

What can be mailed to me?

Large print books, audiobooks on CD, and audiobooks on Playaway (small device that needs headphones and an AAA battery). Items are mailed for no fee through the U.S. Postal Service materials for the blind and visually impaired program.

What CANNOT be mailed to me?

Since items are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service materials for the blind and visually impaired program, regular print books, non-descriptive DVDs, children’s books, and other materials CANNOT be mailed.

How many books can I check out and for how long can I keep them?

You can receive up to three items at a time for six weeks. To renew items for longer than six weeks, contact Charity Lees.

How are the specific books selected?

When you register, tell us what genres and authors you like, and library staff will use this information to select books for you. To request specific books, contact Charity Lees or place a note inside the mail bag. Please note, all patrons in this program must agree to provide library staff with access to their reading records in order to avoid duplicate mailings of materials.

How do I return items?

Materials are sent through the U.S. mail in zippered bags. To return materials, place books back in the bag, remove the paper label with your address on it, and put the bag in your mailbox or nearest mail drop. You can also return materials along with the mailbag to any Manatee County branch library.

Can I use the Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library if I am a homebound patron?

Yes. The Braille and Talking Book Library (https://dbs.fldoe.org/Library/) provides free access to Braille and audio format materials to individuals who are unable to read standard print due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities.

Contact them by calling 1-800-226-6075 or emailing [email protected].

Can I still check out materials in person at the library?

Yes, you CAN come to the library and use your card as a regular borrower. Regular borrowers can check out up to 50 items at a time, including regular print books, Large Print books, audiobooks, all “New” materials, and a maximum of 20 DVDs. All materials checked out in person at the library will have regular loan periods and MUST be returned in person. Books By Mail patrons are unable to utilize the Interlibrary Loan service to borrow books from outside of Manatee County.

A family member, friend, or caregiver CAN bring your library card to the library and check out any materials for you.

CONTACT US +

  • Charity Lees, Outreach and Community Engagement Librarian
  • 941-748-5555, ext. 8552
  • Email Us