ACT Libraries will end Sunday and late-night operations as part of a government plan to align opening hours with peak usage data. According to the ACT Government, the changes follow the 2025 Independent Working Group Report into Libraries ACT. The new schedule, which eliminates weekend access at several suburban branches, is set to begin in the coming weeks.
How will library opening hours change?
The ACT Government announced that major town centre libraries—Belconnen, Woden, Dickson, Gungahlin, and Tuggeranong—will shift to a 9 am to 5 pm schedule from Monday to Saturday. This marks a departure from existing hours, which previously extended until 5:30 pm or 8 pm on certain days. While the 9 am opening time provides earlier access, the removal of evening slots is expected to impact day workers. Additionally, community branches at Civic, Erindale, and Kippax will be limited to 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, losing Saturday access entirely. The Kingston branch will operate Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Why is the government changing these services?
City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne stated that the adjustments are based on data showing that more than 96 per cent of weekday library visits occur during standard business hours. According to the government, the shift aims to redistribute resources from lower-use periods, such as Sundays and late-night sessions, into timeframes where demand is highest. Minister Cheyne described the move as a way to “strengthen library services” and ensure that operations reflect when Canberrans use them most. The government maintains that core services, including borrowing, collections, and digital access, will remain unaffected by the new schedule.
What is the community reaction?
Public response has highlighted concerns regarding accessibility and social infrastructure. Comments posted to the Libraries ACT Facebook page described the loss of Sunday access as “deeply disappointing,” with residents noting that libraries serve as vital spaces for digital access, literacy, and respite during extreme weather. Some users expressed that Sunday is the only time their families can visit local branches, while others questioned the government’s spending priorities in relation to other infrastructure projects like light rail.
What happens next?
As the government prepares to implement the new hours in the coming weeks, it is exploring alternative ways to manage reserved item collections, which were previously served by late-night sessions. The government is also considering a potential co-location of library and Access Canberra services at the Woden branch to function as a unified community hub. While branch hours are shrinking, the government confirmed that all facilities will continue to operate and remain available for use as heat refuges if activated by the Chief Health Officer.
