Outreach Library Services

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Tutoring

The PEI Public Library Service and the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI - IRSA offer a free EAL program to help adults learn English. This program includes one-on-one tutoring and group conversations.

Through this program, Islanders can either apply to volunteer as a tutor or apply to learn English by being matched with a tutor.

In order to apply for this program, volunteers or applicants can contact the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI - IRSA at 902-628-6009.

Community Care Facility Book Delivery Service

The Community Care Facility Delivery Service gives residents of community care, long-term care, and nursing homes free access to books and other library materials. Materials are selected by library staff and delivered directly to participating facilities every 6 weeks.

In order register, facilities can contact Public Library Service Headquarters.

Early Learning and Child Care Centre Delivery Service

The Early Learning and Child Care Centre Delivery Service provides child-care, early learning and daycare centres with free access to children's books. Materials are selected by library staff and delivered directly to participating facilities every 6 weeks.

In order register, facilities can contact Public Library Service Headquarters.

Home Library Service

The Home Library Service is an outreach program that delivers library materials to Islanders who are unable to visit a library in person and do not have anyone to access the library on their behalf. Items are chosen by library staff, and delivered to participants every 6 weeks.

This service is available to Islanders who have one of the following conditions:

• a physical disability;
• restricted mobility;
• a chronic condition; or
• recovering from surgery or illness.

In order to apply for this service, applicants and/or family and caregivers can complete the following Home Library Service application form and submit it to their local public library branch. 

Please note that this service relies on local volunteers which may impact each branch's ability to start this service. If you are interested in volunteering for the library's Home Library Service, please review the PEI Public Library Service's Volunteers Policy and submit a Volunteer Application form to one of our 25 public libraries.

Music and Memory

Music & Memory is a non-profit organization that uses personalized music to improve the lives of individuals with cognitive and physical conditions. By partnering with Music & Memory, the PEI Public Library Service aims to help Islanders living with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other physical issues.

Through the library's Music & Memory program, participants can borrow a portable music device (MP3) preloaded with a personalized music playlist. MP3 players can be borrowed for 6 weeks, with the possibility of renewal.

In order to apply for the service, applicants and/or their family and caregivers can complete the following online application form.

Community Care, long-term care and nursing homes can also apply for the service on behalf of their residents.

For more information on this service, contact Public Library Headquarters.

Born to Read Program

The Born to Read program is an early childhood literacy initiative that promotes the joy of reading to babies and toddlers. 

Parents of newborns on Prince Edward Island are given a free Born to Read package during their regular wellness visit with Public Health Nursing when their child is two months old. In this package, parents will receive free children’s board books, and information on how to obtain a PEI Public Library Card and access the library's resources and programs, and information on services available through the PEI Literacy Alliance. Books and resources are available in English or French. 

The Born to Read program is funded by PEI Public Health Nursing, the PEI Public Library Service and the PEI Literacy Alliance.