ACT libraries cut hours, add 24/7 book lockers
ACT Government cut library hours but is installing 24/7 book lockers at five sites from December.
The ACT Government cut hours at all nine public libraries earlier this year. Weekend hours stopped at Civic, Erindale and Kippax.
Five library sites are now putting in 24/7 book lockers to help fill the gap. The lockers start in December and let people pick up and return books anytime.
The government says the move updates the library service. Community advocate John Mikita disagrees, calling it a quick fix.
He warns the lockers might give the government a reason for deeper cuts. He points to Australia Post, which switched to lockers from staffed stores.
Most people will find them less handy than a staffed library, he says.
- All 9
- Public libraries affected
- Civic, Erindale, Kippax
- Sites losing weekend hours
- 5 sites
- Locker locations
- December
- Locker launch date
Why it mattersCanberra residents now have 24/7 locker access but less staffed library time, raising questions about whether convenience replaces community service.
AustraliaAffects Canberra residents' library access: five locations add 24/7 lockers but weekday and weekend staffed hours are reduced.
