Claims that opening hours were set to be cut across Tasmania’s network of regional libraries have been shot down by the state government.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) said earlier this week that from July, 14 libraries would be affected by changes in light of a review, including Oatlands, St Marys, Glenorchy and Rosny.
The Rosebery Library on the west coast would have also seen its opening hours reduced by 50%, according to the union.
The CPSU alleged the plans stemmed from Libraries Tasmania’s stretched resources, claiming cutting services in regional towns was the only way they would be able to meet city service demands.
The state government, however, countered that opening hours across all 46 public libraries in Tasmania were being reviewed to provide better access outside of normal 9am to 5pm business hours.
Minister for Education Jo Palmer said the proposed changes would increase opening hours, including opening some libraries on Saturdays and Sundays “for even more access”.
“The Tasmanian Government will not be cutting library hours,” she confirmed on Friday.
“Our Government has invested in our Library network through the $3 million Bringing Back Libraries initiative, which included expanding services, increasing resources and removing fees for Book Groups.”
The CPSU’s industrial director Natalie Jones previously argued that if a new multi-purpose stadium at Macquarie Point could be funded, then resources could be found for libraries as well.
“Libraries are the heart of many regional towns, they need investment, not a reallocation of resources that pits regional communities against cities,” she said.
