Home Library Service

The State Library provides a Home Library Service to the following library clients:

• those who have an illness or disability which prevents them from visiting the library in person, either temporarily or permanently
• those who are able to visit a library but unable to carry library items home
• those who are living in a residential establishment, including a nursing home, hospital, hostel or supported accommodation house, and are unable to visit a public library
• those who are engaged in fulltime, 24 hour care for people in any of the above groups
• children in any of the above groups, or those who are in the care of a member of any of the above groups

Some Home Library Service clients may wish to use the Recorded Book Service.

The State Library relies on a network of volunteer couriers to provide the link between the library and its Home Library Service clients. Library staff match a volunteer courier to the client. Where possible, couriers deliver to clients who live nearby. 

Library staff select library items according to a client's reading profile;  they issue and pack items ready for collection by the courier on a specified date.

When registering the client for the service, staff will collect information for a client profile. This information may include:

• Format/s of library materials preferred e.g. books, recorded books, audio books on CD, audio books on cassette, magazines, music CDs, videos or DVDs
• Preferred genres and subjects
• Suitable day and times for Home Library visit
• Quantity and frequency of items needed
• Relevant medical conditions
• Contact person in an emergency
• Access information e.g. person may live in a flat at rear of house.

Home Library Service clients have access to all lending services provided by the State Library.  Staff can place requests on their behalf for specific items required and can forward suggestions made by Home Library Service clients for items to purchase for library stock.  Home Library Service borrowers may also select and place holds on items themselves from the State Library catalogue TALIS Plus and make suggestions for purchase.