Library cuts reversed by new funding level

A year of library staff underfunding has been ended after the council approved an injection of funds for new staff in the Enhanced Annual Plan, approved late in June.

One full-time and two part-time library staff have been funded to enable the libraries in all three towns to reopen for five and a half days each week.

For the past yeaar the libraries have each closed their doors for one and a half days a week, with additional closures caused by staff shortages.

Community survey results regularly rank the libraries as the most-appreciated service provided by the council _ with a near 80% satisfaction rating.

SWDC by comparison has a low-20’s satisfaction/approval rating among community members surveyed annually.

Councillor Rebecca Gray, lead for the Community, Climate and Environmental Wellbeing committee, noted it was unfortunate that council had decided to cut casual staff funding for the libraries, forcing the closures.

Community feedback had confirmed “a strong love for the libraries,” so funding had been restored. The Enhanced Annual Plan also shows an extra $126,000 of funding for “books” for the libraries.