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Queens Library and the NYC Department of Education have teamed up to offer the new Mail-A-Book program, which delivers books, educational materials, and other library services to homebound Queens residents who are too sick to visit a library location.

Queens Library is expanding its educational outreach to local individuals who are temporarily or permanently homebound due to health issues. Through a partnership with the New York City Department of Education, the library’s new Mail-A-Book program offers services and materials to homebound children, teens, and adults to enhance their education and relieve social isolation. The program provides printed books, audio books, music, and movies in several languages through the mail, offering the same material that you would be able to get by walking into the library—and it’s all free of charge.

Currently, 225 students in Queens are enrolled in the Mail-A-Book program and receive home instruction. These homebound children receive one hour of education a day through the Department of Education, and the Mail-A-Book program seeks to supplement that. “We want to help and be accessible to children and teens regardless of their health concerns,” says Joanna King, the library’s director of communications. Teachers are encouraged to include material from the program in their lesson materials, and parents are welcome to request material for their own children.