Changes to hours - Bega Valley Shire branch libraries

February 29, 2008

There will be changes to the opening hours of Bega Valley Shire branch libraries.

Acting librarian, Ros Raward, said the new operating hours would provide improved services to the community and a safer working environment for staff.

She said that following the closure of Bega Valley Shire Council branch offices last July, branch libraries had been operating with one staff member.

This had limited the ability of staff to provide a diverse range of services to clients and had necessitated the closure of the branch libraries for an hour over lunchtimes, the busiest time for the libraries.

“The new timetable has been developed following considerable assessment of branch library use statistics and feedback from the community,” Ms Raward said.

“One of the most consistent messages was the impact of lunchtime closures.

“Many users found this the most appropriate time to visit a library and it is inconvenient for them to be asked to leave so that the staff member can have lunch.

“The new timetable will enable the libraries to be open across the whole day, from 9.30am to 5pm and from 9am to noon on Saturdays for Bega, Merimbula and Eden.

“There is a possibility that, at a later stage, the Bermagui branch library may also open on two Saturdays a month.”

Ms Raward said the new timetable would be made possible by the closure of the branch libraries one day a week.

This would enable rosters to be modified so that two staff members would be available at each branch during opening hours.

Staff would be able to provide additional services such as reference assistance, public programs such as Grandparents and Books and local history research.

Libraries would also be open during lunch hours.

From March 17, 2008, each branch library will be closed one day a week – Eden on Mondays, Bermagui on Wednesdays and Merimbula on Fridays. The main library in Bega will continue to open every day, Monday to Friday, and on Saturday mornings.