Manly: Popular public library to open 24 hours a day on weekdays

Studious night owls and bookworms rejoice: A Sydney council is now opening two of its public libraries 24 hours a day.

Calling all bookworms, night owls and insomniacs — a public library is now open 24 hours a day.

Northern Beaches Council has kicked off a six-month trial that allows registered library members to use the Manly library branch any time of the day or night from Sunday to Thursday.

The council said it comes after the success of the Forestville library been operating on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week basis since mid-2022.

Just like the set up at popular 24-hour gyms, Manly library can cater to time-poor locals who can’t get to the premises in Market Lane during regular normal opening hours.

The extended hours at Forestville were introduced based on feedback from ratepayers who wanted increased access to library services and infrastructure.

Manly Library is opening 24 hours a day. Picture: Martin Lange

As part of the Manly trial, library members aged 16 years and over can access its large collection, including eBooks, audio books, and magazines Sunday-Thursday. The trial could be extended to seven days a week, subject to trial performance.

Library members can check out books, DVDs and magazines themselves and have access to the library’s desktop computers and free Wi-Fi. They can even print, copy and scan books and documents.

Manly Library’s large collection of books, eBooks, audio books, and magazines is available to members after hours. Picture: Martin Lange

At Manly, after a compulsory safety induction program, library card holders can gain entry whenever they like, by scanning their library barcode and entering an individual PIN.

There will be no staff in the library outside normal opening hours, but CCTV security cameras will be operating, connected to a security guard service.

“Sleeping in the library is not permitted” according to the membership terms and conditions, but hot and cold drinks are allowed, as long as they are not alcoholic.

Parkes Shire Council, in the state’s Central West, boasted in September 2016 that it had opened the first Australian public library to be accessible for members all hours of the day, all days of the week in the tiny town of Tullamore, population less than 500.

Manly Library’s public commuters will be available. Picture: Martin Lange

The same council then opened another 24/7 branch library at Trundle in December 2018.

A public library in the small country town of Foster, about 170km southeast of Melbourne, went 24/7 in 2019, the first in Victoria.

Back in June 2012, The City of Sydney considered opening its Customs House Library 24 hours a day, but didn’t push ahead with the plan.

Mayor Sue Heins the Manly Library 24/7 trial was a fantastic opportunity for people to access library services at their convenience.

Students and business people can make use of the extended library hours. Picture: Martin Lange

“We have seen great success with Forestville Library 24/7, and we are confident that Manly Library will provide similar benefits to the community,” she said.

“Over the past year, Manly Library has undergone significant upgrades to ensure the safety and comfort of members during unstaffed hours and we look forward to welcoming the community at any hour that suits their lifestyle, day or night.”

The Manly library 24/7 trial will end in November.

For more information on access to the two libraries, and to register for access, click here.

Originally published as Manly: Popular public library to open 24 hours a day on weekdays