Education
City libraries to stay open until ten every weekday
The Meridian Daily ·
Friday, 16 October 2026 ·
Page 2
All eleven public libraries in Harbour City will open until ten in the evening from Monday to Friday, after a trial at the central library proved popular with students and shift workers.
The longer hours are paid for by moving some library services online and by a grant from a local foundation. Staff numbers will rise by fourteen.
At the central library, evening visits rose by sixty per cent during the trial. "People come after work to study, to read the papers or just to sit somewhere warm and quiet," said chief librarian Ruth Haldane.
City officials expect the first results to be visible within months. A progress report will be presented to the council in the spring, together with an updated budget.
The project is part of the city's ten-year plan, which aims to make Harbour City greener, easier to move around and more affordable for young families.
The longer hours are paid for by moving some library services online and by a grant from a local foundation. Staff numbers will rise by fourteen.
At the central library, evening visits rose by sixty per cent during the trial. "People come after work to study, to read the papers or just to sit somewhere warm and quiet," said chief librarian Ruth Haldane.
City officials expect the first results to be visible within months. A progress report will be presented to the council in the spring, together with an updated budget.
The project is part of the city's ten-year plan, which aims to make Harbour City greener, easier to move around and more affordable for young families.
