Libraries ACT will update opening hours across its network to better match when Canberrans use their local branches, with town centre libraries opening full-day Saturdays and all weekday opening times moving earlier to 9am.
These are changes to opening hours only. Every Libraries ACT branch will continue to operate, core services will continue, and library programs are unaffected.
The changes to opening hours follow the Independent Working Group (IWG) Report into Libraries ACT, delivered to the Government in 2025.
“We’ve strengthened Libraries ACT’s services by working with staff to implement the report’s recommendations, not doing things to them,” said Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne.
“Operations have stabilised, staff have been moved onto more secure ongoing arrangements across branches, service delivery has been enhanced, and a clear vision and direction have been set.
“The next step is ensuring our opening hours reflect the times Canberrans use their libraries most.”
Libraries ACT visit data shows demand is concentrated on weekdays and Saturdays, and more than 96 per cent of all weekday library visits happen during standard business hours.
For this reason, hours will be shifted from the lower-use periods of Sundays and late-nights into earlier weekday access across all branches, as well as full-day Saturday opening hours at town centre branches and at Kingston neighbourhood branch.
Borrowing, collections, digital services, room bookings and regular library programs will continue. Branches will remain available to respond to community need, including activation as heat refuges when called on by the Chief Health Officer.
With the late-night sessions having largely served people collecting reserved items, options are being explored to allow reserved items to be picked up any time at key branches.
In Woden, the Government is examining co-locating library and Access Canberra services to create a single community hub. Details will be confirmed in the 2026-27 ACT Budget.
Libraries ACT will continue to exceed the national benchmark standard of 64 opening hours per week per 100,000 people by 25 per cent, keeping the ACT among the better-resourced library networks in the country.
“Our libraries are vital spaces for learning, creativity and connection,” Minister Cheyne said.
“Redistributing hours to match peak community use rather than spreading them across lower-use periods means our hours and services are aligned with the community’s needs.”
