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The Albert Lea Public Library is starting a books-by-mail service for residents of Albert Lea and the rest of Freeborn County. This service will bring the library to those unable to visit in person due to illness, disability or transportation challenges.

How Books-by-Mail works:

• Participants must have a library account in good standing. If applicants do not have a library card, staff will complete that process once an application is received
• Books-by-Mail participants can receive books, books on CD, and DVDs in the Albert Lea Public Library collection via the U.S. Postal Service. Items from other libraries are not eligible for this service.
• Items check out for four weeks and participants are limited to the number of items that fit in the canvas mailing bags.
• Items can be renewed for two additional weeks if there are no holds on the items.
• The canvas bags come with prepaid return postage. When ready to return items, participants will flip the mailing label, place items in the bag, zip tie the bag closed and place it in the mail.
• If you have a specific title request, the Albert Lea Public Library will do its best to fulfill it.

The Books-by-Mail service is available for either a short time or an extended period. If you have questions about the service, contact the Albert Lea Public Library at 507-377-4350.

To sign up for this service, please fill out and mail, email, or drop off the Books-by-Mail Application, available on library website at https://alplonline.org. Once an application is received, staff will contact the applicant to talk through the service and determine reading interests and types of material interested in receiving.