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.
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