2026-09-21
ACT Greens Municipal Services spokesperson Andrew Braddock is calling for community ideas to improve ACT libraries, with greater access, new services and more ways for libraries to support their communities.
"Canberra should start thinking about the future of our libraries and how they reflect the way people live, learn, work, and connect," said Andrew Braddock MLA.
"Over 3,500 Canberrans signed my petition calling on the ACT Government to invest in its libraries, Assembly motions called on the Government to pause its cuts to weekend access and finally a censure of the responsible Minister when she pressed forward with the cuts despite the outpouring of community and parliamentary support for our libraries. Now I am asking Canberrans to reimagine what our library service could be.
"Across Australia, public libraries are already trialling after-hours self-access, lending items such as telescopes and podcasting kits, and providing access to 3D printers, laser cutting and recording facilities.
"Internationally, Helsinki’s Oodi Library offers 3D printers, sewing machines, electronics, workstations, music studios and recording spaces for the community to use.
"Imagine finishing work late and still having somewhere safe and free to study. Borrowing a telescope with your kids. Using a 3D printer. Recording a podcast. Borrowing something you only need once instead of buying it.
"That might sound like the library of the future. In plenty of places, it is already the library of today.
"ACT libraries could include better after-hours access, smaller neighbourhood library points, spaces to make and repair things, and Libraries of Things where people can borrow useful equipment instead of having to buy it.
"If we want libraries that remain relevant for the next generation, we need to think beyond books and opening hours and build services around how people actually live, learn, and connect," said Mr Braddock.