Any resident of Cleveland, McClain, or Pottawatomie counties ages 0 to 18 who has a library card with the Pioneer Library System. This service is intended primarily for childrenand teens who cannot make it to the library during the summer.
This service has been available for many years as Children’s Home Services. It was renamed in 2014 to distinguish it from Adult Home Services.
If the child or teen already has a library card: The child or a teen may sign up for the Mailbox Library, and request books to be sent to them in the mail. After they read the books, the child or teen puts them back in the zippered bag they came in, turns over the address label, and drops the bag in the mail. They may fill out the request card that comes with the books for what they want to read next, and drop it in the mail separately, or they may contact the Mailbox Library staff by phone to request more items.
If the child or teen does not have a library card: When the child or teen signs up for the Mailbox Library, they will receive a MyCard library card. The library card will be mailed to the home address with a letter explaining the card privileges and three (3) age-appropriate books, so the child or teen may get started reading right away. After they read the books, the child or teen puts them back in the zippered bag they came in, turns over the address label, and drops the bag in the mail. They may fill out the request card that comes with the books for what they want to read next, drop it in the mail separately, or they may contact the Mailbox Library staff by phone to request more items.
Only books may be checked out from the Mailbox Library.
There is no charge for the Mailbox Library. A library card, in good standing, is enough. Pioneer Library System pays postage both ways.
Contact the Mailbox Library staff and let us know your mail route. We will contact the post office and explain that the library will pay the postage.
You may return the books to any branch or Information Station of the Pioneer Library System. However, they must be put in the zippered bag for any return and the label turned over, so they will be correctly identified as Mailbox Library items.
The number is limited to 3 children’s or teen books.
Mailbox Library books are checked out for a loan period of 30 days, and may be renewed for another 30 days, if not on hold for another customer. Renewals must be requested before the first 30 days are up.
No fines are charged for late return of Mailbox Library books. However, not returning books may result in future shipments being delayed or discontinued. If books are lost, customers will be charged for lost books.