The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly to fully fund our libraries and meet minimum national public library standards. Canberrans love our public libraries! But in the first few months of the year, 14 library closures have occurred. Libraries are unexpectedly shut down and library staff report high rates of burnout. The under-resourced state of libraries in the ACT is unacceptable and must change now.
- Libraries provide essential services; any member of the public can use libraries for free access to a computer with internet or Wi-Fi on their own devices.
- When attending a library branch, anyone from birth with a library card can borrow up to 50 books, magazines, DVDs or CDs for free for 30 days.
- Many rely on the printing and photocopying services libraries provide for work, study and life administration.
- Parents can bring their children to Giggle & Wiggle and Story Time to enhance language and literacy development, and school holiday programs for all ages.
- People from linguistically diverse backgrounds can learn English in conversation classes and with ESL resources. Students use libraries for studying and community groups use libraries as meeting and connecting spaces, such as Justice of the Peace sessions or Story Dogs supporting reluctant readers.
- Libraries provide shelter for those escaping the heat and rain.
Fully funding libraries is not optional, it is a necessary part of the fabric that binds our community together. Libraries are needed now more than ever as one of the only public places that does not require you to spend any money and provides access to information without a biased personalised algorithm. Our libraries need more support. Canberra’s public libraries are currently below the recommended national standards for staffing and opening hours. Without action, Canberrans will be faced with more unexpected closures and librarians will be forced to work in an unstable and under-resourced working environment. Libraries are at the heart of our community and Canberrans deserve at least the minimum public library standard—let’s see that they are fully funded. Sign the petition today and help us protect Canberra’s public libraries.
Your petitioners, therefore, request the Assembly to call on the ACT Government to:
- Increase library funding to meet national standards, including at least 64 hours of opening time per week per library and meet recommended library staff levels.
- Ensure library staffing does not drop below January 2025 levels and prioritise providing permanent over casual employment.
- Improve floor and front-facing staff numbers so libraries remain open and accessible.
- Assess Libraries ACT’s performance against the current Standards and Guidelines for Australian Public Libraries from the Australian Libraries and Information Association and make a plan of action to address where Libraries ACT falls behind.