• As of 2016, the Penrith LGA had a population of 196,066
• 24,082 residents or 12.3 % are classified as “Older Workers and Pre-Retirees” (50-59)
• 19,063 or 9.7 % are ‘empty Nesters and Retirees’ (60-69)
• 11,755 or 6.0 % are ‘Seniors’ (70-84)
• 2,316 or 1.2 % are ‘Elderly (85 and over)
• That is 29.2% of the LGA is 50 and over.

The Penrith City Library Home Library Service delivers library materials to residents’ homes within the Penrith City Council local government area. Residents who are aged, infirm, or isolated or people with a disability can apply to have library materials home delivered. A doctor’s certificate may be required. We deliver books, talking books, magazines and DVDs to residents who qualify for this free service. We also provide Navigators (MP3 players) for loan to patrons who have a visual impairment.

The Home Library Service also provides, through our ECHO (E-Connect Home-Library Outreach) program, iPad training to seniors who are Home Library Service patrons, providing equity of access to the library’s e-Books and audio books downloadable from OverDrive. This program also gives in-home training in emails and surfing the Internet.

The service recently won an Honourable Mention, Programs Category from the NSW Public Libraries Association for their work with the ECHO program.

• Staffing: 1 full-time Librarian, 3/5 FTE Senior Library Assistant, 1/5 FTE part time Library Assistant, 1/5 FTE Library Trainee. Currently 79hrs of staff time.
• Volunteers: 9 seniors volunteering in the Home Library service, giving an average of 3 hours per week each. Currently 27 hrs of volunteer time.
• Home Delivery customers: up to 170 individuals in their own homes.
• Service to Nursing Homes: 11 Aged Care providers in the Local Government Area.
• Pick-up service: we provide a selection service for those who like to come and collect their own materials from the Library.
• Talking books on SD card: we have a range of talking books available to persons with low vision who use a Navigator.

The Home Library Service has been delivering library materials to residents for over 40 years. Our special team of volunteers, led by the Outreach Services Librarian, select and deliver some 850 items each fortnight to residents of the Penrith Local Government Area. Our volunteers are to be commended for their hard work and dedication to the task.