Public libraries are essential community spaces, supporting literacy, lifelong learning, social connection, inclusion and wellbeing. Through free and low-cost programs, resources and activities, they provide safe and welcoming places for children and families, help bridge the digital divide, reduce social isolation, and enable people of all ages and backgrounds to participate fully in community life.
On June 5th, the Government announced that the Civic, Erindale and Kippax libraries will lose all weekend hours. These changes would also result in no ACT public library being open on Sundays, significantly reducing access to an essential public service.
For many ACT residents, including working families, students and carers, weekends are the only practical opportunity to access library services.
Reduced weekend access would also impact participation in popular community programs, such as the much-loved Giggle and Wiggle program held on Saturday mornings at Kippax Library. While other libraries may remain open on Saturdays, they are not always suitable alternatives due to transport, parking and time constraints.
Sign the petition to call on the Government to increase investment in ACT libraries.