Modernization of the Care Library by the Belgian Red Cross: Leveraging Digitalization and Volunteers to Reduce Loneliness with Library Services

Abstract

In 1937, the Belgian Red Cross launched the Care Library, a library service tailored to the needs of people who are unable to visit a regular library. Although originally targeted towards in-hospital patients, this service now mainly concerns people who are staying in residential care centres. The Care Library is essentially a social activity, aiming to prevent and/or break through loneliness, hence our slogan: more than a book. This is what distinguishes the Care Library from both web shops and regular libraries: it brings the library to people unable to visit in person and allows volunteers to spend time with them.