BOOKWORM Betty Holding was devastated when she could no longer drive to Horwich Library to pick up her regular supply of books following a stroke last year.

But thanks to the Library Link service supplied by Bolton Council, the library is now being brought to the great grandmother’s doorstep.

In the last six months she has has had about 65 books delivered by council worker Adam Dietrich, who drops off books to 20 people around the Bolton area each day.

Mrs Holding, aged 77, says that the service is valuable for anyone who is housebound or finds it hard to get out and about.

She said: “At the beginning of last year I had a stroke which affected my mobility. Following that I was in and out of hospital for nearly 12 months.

“I had physio and am able to get up and about a little now, but I can no longer drive so I had to sell my car.

“This means that I can’t go shopping unless someone is with me. I didn’t want to rely on a lift to the library, so this way the library comes to me.

“When I found out about the Library Link service in July, I rang up to inquire and Adam came round to my home to have a chat to find out the sort of books I enjoy. He then came back with five or six books for me to read.

“Adam knows the kind of books I enjoy because he takes the time to find out. He is extremely reliable and very polite.

“I am sure a lot of people in my situation don’t know about this service, which is a shame as it is wonderful.”

Mr Dietrich, a driver for Bolton Council, said: “The service itself has been going for 20 years, so it’s quite old.

“I see all sorts of people from all walks of life on my travels. I deliver up to six books to 20 people a day in Bolton.

“But I would like to see more people like Betty joining the service. It’s a really rewarding job.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for sports, leisure, culture and youth, Cllr Anthony Connell, said: “The Library Link service was introduced as part of the library review a few years ago.

"It is really good to know that people like Betty appreciate it. There are a number of hard working volunteers which the library service relies on to help people across Bolton just like her.”

The council shut five libraries in 2012 — Astley Bridge, Oxford Grove, Heaton, Highfield and Castle Hill — as part of cost-cutting measures.

For more information on the service contact 01204 332344.