Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Worling –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the important service our libraries provide as a safe and quiet place, connected to community resources and shielded from weather;

(ii)        the emerging role our libraries are providing as a hub of internet access and incidental social support, in an increasingly fragmented social setting;

(iii)       that not all residents have somewhere safe to retreat to over what can be isolating holiday periods, nor do all residents have one singular time of holiday celebration;

(iv)       the City’s Libraries were closed from 4pm, Christmas Eve until 2 January during the recent holiday period; and

(v)        that nearby Councils such as Bayside and Willoughby operated libraries on the days between Christmas and New Year; and the Northern Beaches Council Forestville Library returned to its 24/7 operating hours on 29 December; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate opening the City's libraries over the holiday break going forward, for Council's consideration as part of the preparation of the 2026/27 Operational Plan.

Carried unanimously.

X113758