00:01For Samantha Hughes and her family, the library is a place that builds knowledge and community
00:07connections.
00:08I've been a huge library fan for a very long time, a big book reading family and I love
00:13bringing my kids down here.
00:15But that will be no longer possible on Sundays as part of changes to library opening hours
00:20across the ACT.
00:21Sometimes Sundays are a lovely time to visit a library and we won't be able to do that
00:25anymore.
00:25Along with Sunday closures, late night hours will end and Civic, Arendelle and Kipax libraries
00:31will also be shut on Saturdays, but all nine library branches will open an hour earlier
00:36every weekday.
00:38I think my kids are going to be particularly disappointed.
00:40I'm also disappointed because, you know, libraries are known as the Palace of the People for a
00:44good reason that there's access to knowledge, it's the heart of communities.
00:48Access Canberra insists the updated opening times will create a more reliable service and
00:53a fairer roster for staff.
00:54It says the changes reflect visitation patterns, with Sunday the least busy day of the week.
01:00It's not going to really affect me, I think.
01:02I often go on a Friday, but I might go on a Saturday.
01:06Whatever works for everyone is mostly alright for me, but it's a bit sad for Sunday because
01:09sometimes that's the only day you can get there.
01:11Many users visit the library to collect reserved items and, to accommodate that, new 24-7 book
01:17lockers will soon be introduced.
01:18So while these adjustments to ours is a change, our commitment to ensuring that our community
01:24receives some amazing library services remains unchanged.
01:28The library is so much more than just the books it has.
01:30It's providing a vital frontline service for so many people.
01:34The changes come into effect on August 27.
01:37An old place for so many people are certain that they are in.
01:40It's a great place for them to make a difference.
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