Unplanned staff absences are being blamed for several closures of libraries in the ACT this year, leaving some library users concerned. But the minister responsible has vowed to ensure predictability and certainty going forward.
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00:00Vivica Moody is a regular visitor to the library, but on a recent trip to borrow books, she
00:08was caught out by an unplanned closure of her local branch.
00:12I've learnt a lesson to look at the website before I go to the library, but yeah, it's
00:17sad because the staff are so lovely.
00:20And it wasn't an isolated incident.
00:23So far this year, there have been 18 unplanned closures of libraries in the ACT, affecting
00:29all of Canberra's nine public libraries.
00:32They are part of our social fabric, they are particularly important to older people because
00:37they go there for company, and also to read the newspaper, to get some tech help if they
00:43need it, and also just a place to relax.
00:47It is frustrating, but in saying that, it's no reflection on the hardworking staff.
00:53Unplanned staff leave is being blamed for almost all of the closures, with the public
00:58in many cases only being informed the night before or the morning of closures.
01:03I've had a long conversation with the Directorate, many long conversations about my expectations
01:09about giving as much advance notice as possible, and just how important it is to provide certainty
01:16to the community.
01:17In the short term, opening hours over summer were altered, and a casual pool of staff was
01:22recruited in an effort to limit closures like this one here today at Civic.
01:27The Minister says she will be guided by library staff on how to provide predictability and
01:32certainty going forward.
01:34I understand that other services are life-saving services, but I do think a library provides
01:40a great community space for people and helps nourish your mind.
01:45Hoping this story has a happy ending.