Library branch hours will be adjusted across December 2024 to February 2025 to provide staff with increased opportunities for leave, complete end-of-year processing, and prepare for 2025 with minimal impact on services.
Data indicates a decline in loans, returns, and visitors during December and January, so closure days have been selected based on low demand.
Summer operating hours
From Monday 6 January 2024 until Sunday 9 February 2025, Libraries ACT branches will operate according to the below timetable:
Dickson, Gungahlin, and Woden
- 10.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
- 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday
Civic and Erindale
- 10.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Belconnen, Kingston, Kippax, and Tuggeranong
- 10.00am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday
- 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday
ACT Heritage Library
- 9.30am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Friday
- 10.00am to 4:00pm Saturday
Note: Return chutes will remain open when branches are closed, excluding the Christmas shutdown.
The changes include reduced opening hours on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and no late-night trading hours.
Christmas Shutdown Closure
Libraries ACT will be closing all library branches, including the ACT Heritage Library from 3pm, Tuesday 24 December to Sunday 5 January 2025 (inclusive).
Return chutes will be closed during this time, and we ask you not to leave items at branches during this period.
The good news is that you don’t need to visit a library branch to access a good book, and during this period we encourage you to access the digital resources available with your Libraries ACT membership.
While operating with reduced capacity, we hope that all Canberrans will continue to be patient, kind and courteous to library staff when attending a library branch, engaging with our staff who work out and about in the community or speaking with someone over the phone during the summer period.
For more information about summer operating hours please refer to the FAQs below and check back on this page for the latest information.
FAQS
Will my loans be extended over the shutdown period?
Any item due to be returned during the Christmas shutdown period will automatically have its due date extended to Monday 13 January 2025, to allow library members additional time to return their items.
What happens if I have a room booking or program when the library is closed?
Impacted stakeholders including community members and organisations who have booked rooms and programs on these days will be contacted and offered alternative arrangements where possible.
Can I still contact the Libraries ACT Customer Information Centre over the shutdown period?
The Libraries ACT Customer Information Centre will not be in operation between 24 December 2024 and 2 January 2025; however, the community can contact Access Canberra during this period on 13 22 81 for general assistance and guidance.
Will the Home Library Service operate over the shutdown period?
Home Library Services will cease between 23 December 2024 and 5 January 2025.
What happens if there is an emergency?
In the event of severe weather conditions or emergency, Libraries ACT will continue to open as a safe haven in line with current procedures.
