Cairns Libraries Provides a Range of Services for all Homebound Residents!

Who is eligible for this service?

Cairns Residents who have been confined to their homes and are unable through illness, frailty, or physical disability to visit a library branch. A Doctor's Certificate is normally required.

Does it cost anything?

No. The Homebound Service is free for those who qualify and are approved.

How do I apply for the Homebound Library Service?

Registration for the Homebound Library Service may be made over the telephone and if approved, you will be allocated a delivery date.

How does the Homebound Library Service work?

To help Library Staff choose the most appropriate material a reader profile with your preferences will be compiled.

Depending on where you live, deliveries are made either by a Friend of Cairns Libraries or by a member of the library team. Friends of the Library visit Homebound clients at a mutually acceptable time, and deliveries made by Library staff are made on a fortnightly basis. Any changes to delivery times will be negotiated with Homebound clients.

How many books & for how long can they be borrowed from the Homebound Service?

A Homebound library member may borrow up to ten items at a time, for three weeks. Loan extensions may be arranged if a reservation has not yet been placed on the material. Unavailable items can be reserved or borrowed from other libraries through the inter-library loans system. Replacement costs may be incurred for any materials not returned to the library.

What services are available for Homebound Library members?

Cairns Libraries provides the same services to all Library Members. The Homebound Library Service delivers regular and large print books, magazines, and audio-visual items such as talking books, videocassettes and CDs. Please contact your library or your Friend of the library if you would like to request specific items or information.

Who do I contact?

If you have any enquiries regarding the Homebound Service or wish to apply for registration, please contact the Smithfield Branch Librarian, Marina on 4057 2232.