For some, it is a spot for family time. For others, it is a weekend space for tranquil reading. For a few, it is the only place where a mobile phone can be charged.
The ACT government's plan to scrap Sunday operations at five public libraries in Canberra has come as a rude shock to many. It follows a report by an independent working group into Libraries ACT, which was delivered to the government last year.
In a media statement last month, City Services Minister Tara Cheyne said, "We've strengthened Libraries ACT's services by working with staff to implement the report's recommendations, not doing things to them."
The statement noted that Libraries ACT visit data shows demand is concentrated on weekdays and Saturdays, with more than 96 per cent of all weekday library visits occurring during standard business hours.
"The next step is ensuring our opening hours reflect the times Canberrans use their libraries most," Ms Cheyne said.
However, the scene at the five affected libraries - Belconnen, Woden, Dickson, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong - paints a different picture. On Sundays, library car parks are routinely full and patrons, particularly children, turn out in large numbers.
Evatt resident Chris Lord has been a regular weekend visitor to the Belconnen Library for the past 30 years.
"Sundays are much busier," the 79-year-old retired public servant said. "I'd prefer it wasn't closed on Sundays, but I understand there could be staffing issues."
Belconnen resident Senthil Murugesan expressed deep disappointment over the decision to cut Sunday trading.
"Family time at the library on Sunday is something that we look forward to after a hectic work week," he said. "Every member of the family has a bit of a relaxed time at the library, with the kids having their own space."
While the four-hour operating window between 12pm and 4pm on Sundays sees families flocking to the branches, some patrons call the service a lifeline.
"It's a space where some come to spend time in peace on a Sunday, especially in the winter," said Benjamin Pratt, a regular visitor to the Belconnen library. "It could be the only space one can charge a phone."
Mr Pratt recently secured public housing after being on the ACT government's waiting list for five years.
According to an ACT government spokesperson, the independent working group recommended a comprehensive review of staffing, rostering and opening hours.
"There were more than 100 unplanned branch closures in 2024-25, affecting every branch," the spokesperson said. "In response, an independent working group was established. It found that the staffing and rostering model had been stretched too thin, and was too rigid, to cover ordinary leave and unexpected absences. Together, those factors meant the system could not reliably deliver the hours it was scheduled to provide."
Harrison resident Priya Badri described the Gungahlin library on weekends as a "community hub".
"Not just for borrowing books, it is a quiet space to think and write," said Mrs Badri, who has hosted and participated in various community events on Sundays at the North Canberra facility since 2012.
The ACT government spokesperson acknowledged the community backlash but noted there were some positive trade-offs.
"While a Sunday closure for branches will be disappointing for community members, others have also expressed positivity for other changes, such as the earlier opening times at all branches during the week," the spokesperson said.
"Often library attendance on the weekends is simply to collect reserved items. The ACT government is investigating 24/7 book lockers at library locations to support this service."
The ACT government is expected to announce the commencement date for the new operating hours in the coming weeks.
New operating arrangements expected for ACT libraries:
Town Centre branches (Belconnen, Woden, Dickson, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong): Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Community branches (Civic, Erindale, Kippax): Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Neighbourhood branch (Kingston): Open 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
