Education
City libraries to stay open until ten every weekday
The Meridian Daily ·
Sunday, 18 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.
Businesses in the area have been invited to an information evening at the City Hall, where planners will answer questions and show maps of each stage.
Councillors from all parties agreed that the city should report back regularly, so that people can see how the money is being spent.
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.
Businesses in the area have been invited to an information evening at the City Hall, where planners will answer questions and show maps of each stage.
Councillors from all parties agreed that the city should report back regularly, so that people can see how the money is being spent.
