Students push ACT Government to reverse library hour cuts
Over 500 Canberra students have signed an open letter demanding the ACT Government reverse library hour cuts that took effect in August.
Students for ACT Libraries handed an open letter with 500-plus signatures to Minister Tara Cheyne on Friday. The students called for weekend hours to be restored at Civic, Erindale and Kippax libraries.
The ACT Government cut late-night and Sunday hours across all nine public branches in late August due to chronic understaffing. The group says libraries are vital for study, learning and community connection.
The minister acknowledged the concern and said she will meet with the students in coming weeks. She defended the cuts as needed to keep staffing reliable.
Data shows more visitors came through library doors since the change. Kippax and Erindale will regain weekend hours from July 2027.
- 500 plus
- Student signatures on letter
- Civic, Erindale, Kippax
- Branches losing all weekend hours
- 9
- Total ACT public libraries
- 27 August 2026
- Date changes took effect
Why it mattersLibrary access shapes educational equity for students; cuts to hours directly affect who can study and who cannot.
AustraliaCanberra students and families, particularly in West Belconnen, have fewer after-hours study options and lost weekend access to community services.
