Stay Connected to the Library with Books by Mail

Sno-Isle Libraries is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Library on Wheels program! Library on Wheels engages with the community in many ways—you may have even seen our Bookmobile driving around the region.

Over the decades, Library on Wheels has brought the library to thousands of customers—we have a vision of connecting everyone in the community to a library, and that means providing equitable access for people who may face barriers to library access.

One of our efforts to connect with customers is our Books by Mail service, which delivers library materials to people who are unable to visit a library building due to a long-term disability, COVID concerns, or the temporary closure of the Edmonds Library. Books by Mail also serves senior living and care communities.

Books by Mail is personalized service than a traditional library experience. Customers can tell the Books by Mail librarians about their favorite genres and titles, and the team takes great care in curating similar items for the customer.

The Library has been operating a Books by Mail program for many years, but it became an especially treasured program during the early days of the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. Since March 2020, the number of Books by Mail customers has grown by 233 percent, and it has become a beloved method of accessing the library.

Some Books by Mail customers treat their book deliveries and returns like pen-pal communication. “We get so many nice notes and letters from people when they send their packages back. You can see how much people really appreciate it,” says Sno-Isle Libraries circulation supervisor Melissa Borders. Librarians may not be sending customers letters, but they’re sure to include a silly joke on the standard receipt inside the reusable envelope that books are sent in. It’s the little things that have the power to bring joy and connection.

How does Books by Mail work?
1. After your application is approved, place a hold with “Library on Wheels” as your pickup location.
2. We pack a reusable envelope with your items and ship them to your door. Shipping can take up to two weeks, so Books by Mail items have extended due dates.
3. Returns are easy—postage is pre-paid! Simply mail the items back to us in the envelope you received them.

To become a Books by Mail customer, customers can call Library on Wheels at 360-651-7059 or fill out an application form online at www.sno-isle.org/books-by-mail-form.