Outrage as Whitsunday Council cuts weekend library hours

Locals say the move to scrap weekend hours is a blow to families and vulnerable residents who rely on libraries as a safe, free public space.

Libraries across the Whitsundays will no longer be open on weekends, outraging locals who say the change would make it impossible for many people to attend.

Whitsunday Regional Council announced the news on social media saying the changes would allow them to “focus resources where demand is highest”.

The libraries will now only be open Monday through Friday and will not be operational on Saturday mornings beginning in August.

The community expressed their outrage at the news with many saying Saturday mornings were the only time they could attend the library.

“What an absolute joke!” said one commenter.

“This is the time working parents can bring their children to the library which reinforces the joy of reading for children. Also, the library is an important hub for those who may suffer from loneliness and unable to socialise in other places,” said another.

Many expressed worry that children would miss out on valuable education while others were concerned the library would eventually become online only.

Proserpine Library was operating on Saturday mornings for people who weren't able to get to the library during their regular weekday hours.

“It is the only free educational space available that is safe and calming for those who find other environments overwhelming and can be used during all types of weather conditions,” said a local disability service provider.

Whitsunday Regional Council director of community services and facilitation Julie Wright said she acknowledged the community interest and feedback regarding the change.

“This decision followed a region-wide review of weekend visitation patterns and staffing arrangements. The data showed consistently low visitation at some branches on Saturdays,” she said.

“While Proserpine and Cannonvale had higher weekend usage, Council made the decision based on overall resources to focus services where demand is highest on weekdays when schools, families and community groups are most active.

“We understand some residents will be disappointed, and we want to reassure the community that this was not a decision made lightly.”

She said council remained committed to providing strong weekday services, expanded digital resources, and programming for all ages.

They will also be reviewing opportunities for after-hours and outreach services to better meet evolving community needs.

She assured that changes would be monitored over the coming months, with Council open to revisiting the decision if community demand or usage patterns were to shift.

Councillor Clay Bauman is bringing the issue to the next council meeting.

Councillor Clay Bauman lodged a notice of motion for next week’s council meeting asking that the council allocates immediate funding to retain the Saturday morning hours at Cannonvale and Proserpine.

He said the current usage seemed to indicate that continued Saturday access at these branches aligned with Council’s intent to deliver cost-effective services that meet genuine community need.

Originally published as Outrage as Whitsunday Council cuts weekend library hours