Canberra Libraries Adjust Summer Operating Hours
Libraries ACT is set to modify its opening hours for summer 2024–25 across its ten public library branches, including the ACT Heritage Library. This move aims to enhance service efficiency and staff wellbeing during the quieter summer months.
Christmas Shutdown Details
All library branches will close at 3pm on Tuesday, December 24, and will remain shut until Sunday, January 5, 2025, inclusive. This includes the closure of return chutes. The home library service will also be unavailable during this period. Additionally, the Libraries ACT customer information centre will not operate from December 24 to January 2, 2025.
Items due during the shutdown will have their due dates automatically extended to January 13, 2025.
New Summer Opening Hours
From January 6 to February 9, 2025, the following opening hours will be in effect:
- Dickson, Gungahlin, and Woden: 10am to 5:30pm (Monday to Friday), 10am to 4pm (Saturday)
- Civic and Erindale: 10am to 5:30pm (Monday to Friday)
- Belconnen, Kingston, Kippax, and Tuggeranong: 10am to 5:30pm (Tuesday to Friday), 10am to 4pm (Saturday)
- ACT Heritage Library: 9:30am to 5pm (Tuesday to Friday), 10am to 4pm (Saturday)
Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Rationale Behind Changes
The modified hours will be trialed for several reasons:
- To increase staffing capacity during the summer months
- To allow staff to focus on essential administrative tasks when libraries are closed
- To provide staff with well-deserved leave opportunities
- To enhance service reliability by reducing the chance of unplanned closures
Analysis indicates a general decrease in library usage during December and January, guiding the selection of closure days. Libraries have been chosen based on visitation levels while ensuring continued access to library services throughout Canberra.
Stakeholders affected by these changes will be contacted with alternative arrangements if necessary. Return chutes will remain available outside of the Christmas shutdown.
For more information about operational changes and digital resources, please visit the Libraries ACT website.
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