When Spring Hill Library closed for remodeling, J.R. Hart suddenly found herself without a nearby Library branch, her lifeline for books and connection. Because of disabilities, getting to other branches was already difficult. At times, when her health worsened, leaving home was not possible at all. She worried she would lose access to the Johnson County Library resources she had come to know and love.
Applying for HomeConnect changed that. The service allowed her to keep receiving books during the branch closure and supported her during the times of year when getting around was most difficult.
“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,” she said.
HomeConnect is a free service for Library cardholders living in the Johnson County service area. The program delivers Library materials directly to eligible homebound patrons who can't visit a branch in person, whether temporarily or long term.
At first, Hart was nervous that the process would be complicated. To her delight, she found it easy. She places holds on the books she wants, and they arrive in blue bags. She calls it the highlight of her week, comparing each delivery to a fun “mini unboxing.” When she finishes the materials, she places them back in the bags and sends them to the Library.
A meaningful difference
Hart says the Library has enriched her life in many ways. Through Library resources, she has learned how to:
- Make her favorite pistachio coffee syrup at home
- Learn new crafts, including friendship bracelets
- Mend her own clothes
- Bake homemade bread
- Repurpose scraps to save money
- Make pear sauce for snacks
- Learn languages through Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone
- Use a camera
- Sew with a sewing machine
- Stay up-to-date with news that isn’t hidden behind paywalls
- Discover new books through Library staff-created reading lists
More importantly, she says the Library has helped her feel less alone. Through books on queer history, physical health conditions and medical diagnoses, she found stories and resources that made her feel seen and understood.
“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, simply by hearing from doctors who specialize in these conditions I might not have otherwise had access to,” she said. “I never would’ve thought that this would be something the Library could help with, but the catalog is so vast.”
The Library also helped Hart create meaningful memories with her music-loving teenage son. When travel wasn’t possible, she decided to create a “Coachella at Home” celebration complete with festive lights, decorations, snacks, temporary tattoos and face gems.
Using Library resources, Hart found recipe books for themed foods and learned DIY decorating techniques to create the right atmosphere. She also used the Library’s printer to make personalized festival flyers, keepsake tickets, wristbands and VIP lanyards.
“It really took our celebration to the next level, because I got to personalize every detail and see it come to life,” she said.
What began as a one-time idea has since become an annual family tradition during Coachella and Lollapalooza.
A personal connection
When Hart is able to visit a branch in person, she enjoys chatting with Library staff about books they both loved or what’s happening locally. But even when using HomeConnect, she says she still feels genuinely connected to the Library community.
One example stood out to her. After seeing the Library promote a “Blind Date with a Book” program, she commented on social media about how fun it looked. A librarian reached out to make sure she could experience it from home and mailed one to her.
“The books are a great peek into the outside world when I can’t always leave my house, but it is the connection with librarians and other patrons that has truly made a huge difference for me and made the Library more special,” she said.
Hart jokes that librarians packing her HomeConnect bags must wonder about her reading habits. One day she might request a heavy political nonfiction title, the next a lighthearted manga series or a twisty mystery novel. She also likes to include children’s books because they’re fun to read.
“I swear the librarians must think I’m ordering for the whole family, but I’m honestly getting books just for me,” she said. “I have varied taste!”
She appreciates that each HomeConnect bag includes a slip of paper where patrons can ask librarians to choose books for them. Even though her to-read list is already full, she likes knowing the personalized option is there.
Learn more about Johnson County Library resources and the benefits of HomeConnect at jocolibrary.org.
