A snapshot of the Northern Beaches LGA (community data from ABS)

As of 2016, the Northern Beaches LGA had a population of 252,881

• 13,842 residents or 5.5% are aged 55-64
• 10,672 residents or 4.2% are aged 65-74
• 5,965 residents or 1.5% are aged 75-84
• 2,456 residents or 1.0%are aged 85 years and over

The Northern Beaches Home Library Service comprises the services from the former Pittwater, Warringah, and Manly council LGA's. The Northern Beaches Council was declared in May 2016. Some information about the Northern Beaches Home Library Service is available on the library website. As of July 2018, we deliver to 238 individual customers. Statistics are updated each month with the number of new customers, number of deleted customers and the number of outreach activities.

The Home Library Service team consists of a Team Leader (35 hours), 2 HLS officers (21 hours) and 2 HLS officers (28 hours) - 20 hours per week from the team are dedicated to front of house. The Home Library Service organises customers into rounds defined by geographic location. There are 30 separate rounds, with each customer receiving a library delivery once every 4 weeks (former Manly on 3 week deliveries). Each member of the Home Library team is responsible for the selection and delivery of items as well as volunteers. A medical certificate is not required to access the service. New clients are invited to complete an expression of interest form to confirm eligibility. It suitable a home visit will be organised. Membership, risk assessment and profile forms are completed with the client on this first visit. We loan regular Print books, Large Print Books, Audio Books, DVDs, CD and Magazines. We currently loan 35 Navigators and use the Audio Read catalogue for content. HLS customers can book a 1:1 digital device training session, or anon-line catalogue training session at home, with HLS staff. A dedicated car is used for HLS deliveries.

Volunteers

• The Home Library Service has the help of over 30 volunteers.
• Our volunteers help with selection and delivery.
• The volunteers have dedicated rounds and are a lifeline to many home bound customers.

Mary Anderson Team Leader Home Library Service