Editorial: Sunday good for library?

The public libraries hours are going to be reduced in the evenings. Photo/Thinkstock

ONE thing that's been clear since the parlous state of our city's finances was revealed in February is that there will be sacrifices.

At the time we reported rates would rise and capital works projects, including the Lakefront redevelopment, would be deferred, and there have been calls to cut council staff numbers.

Last week the council released its draft annual plan for public consultation. In a climate of efficiencies and reduced borrowing, there were always going to be proposals that grated with some.

Two standout areas are the public facilities the Aquatic Centre and library.

The draft plan proposes reducing the pool centre's opening hours at weekends - opening later and closing earlier. It states the change would reflect low levels of patronage at each end of the day.

Similarly the council is considering reducing the public library's evening hours - closing at 6pm most days instead of 8pm - again citing low levels of patronage.

As was acknowledged in our February stories, tough decisions are having to be made, and it makes sense to target areas that will affect the fewest people. But it has to be wondered why our library, for example, is under-utilised in the evenings.

It's a fantastic facility that locals should be making more use of.

I visit the library every Saturday and it's always busy.

I would go more often but it opens too late in the morning, 9.30am - and evenings for me, as for many I imagine, are too busy already.

Yes, maybe evening hours should be reduced if people aren't making good use of the library, but instead perhaps Sunday opening should be considered.

I'm sure it would get good traction from locals, especially families who can visit together.

To avoid extra cost perhaps the library could be closed on a weekday instead, maybe Monday.

There's my 2c, but what do you think? You can make a submission on the draft annual plan. Get a copy from the council or www.rdc.govt.nz and make your written submission by May 2.