Libraries Tasmania plans to extend the opening hours at several libraries statewide, including a trial of Saturday openings in George Town, Smithton and New Norfolk.
The proposed changes also introduce new Sunday hours at Launceston Library, which will open from 1pm to 4pm and at Hobart Library from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Additional libraries, including those in Penguin, Smithton, Sorell, Ulverstone and Wynyard, are also slated for extended hours.
Despite assurances from Education Minister Jo Palmer that there would be no significant reductions in operating hours, some adjustments are planned.
Hobart Library’s Friday hours will be reduced, closing at 5pm instead of the current 6pm.
Launceston Library will also close an hour earlier on Fridays and at 12:30pm on Saturdays, an hour and a half earlier.
“We know how important libraries are to regional communities,” Palmer said.
“We will not be cutting hours at any library across the state.”
“The proposed changes are aimed at better suiting community needs and we’re inviting local communities to have their say about what works best for them.”
Feedback on the proposed changes is open until Friday, September 20.
