The City of Joondalup has abandoned a plan to cut opening hours at three public libraries following a community backlash that included a petition signed by more than 600 residents.
Proposed Cuts Spark Outrage
The local government had intended to reduce hours at the Duncraig, Whitford and Woodvale libraries by one hour on two evenings per week, closing at 6pm instead of 7pm, starting July 6. The move was expected to save approximately $47,000 in staff costs.
However, after a petition led by Susan North garnered over 600 signatures, the city decided to scrap the proposal. The petition argued that reducing hours would harm the community, especially during cost-of-living pressures.
CEO Listens to Community
Newly appointed chief executive officer Craig Lloyd, who took on the role last month, confirmed the city will not proceed with the changes. He emphasized that community input was crucial in the decision.
“The community has been clear about how important our libraries are, and we’ve listened,” Mr Lloyd said. “On Monday, I visited our libraries and spoke with staff and visitors to better understand how they operate. It was clear our libraries provide an exemplary service and are deeply valued by the community — we should be proud of that.”
Budget Constraints vs. Community Needs
At a previous council meeting, city directors explained that the reductions were part of efforts to address the city’s operational budget shortfall. They noted that only an average of 10 new visitations occurred during the hour slated for cutting, compared to 35 across the rest of the day at the three libraries.
Despite these figures, the petition argued that even a one-hour reduction would negatively impact residents who rely on library services for learning, digital access and social connection.
Commitment to Community Services
Mr Lloyd said the decision reflects a broader commitment to aligning city services with community expectations. He thanked residents for their engagement.
“Our libraries are much more than book-lending — they are important community spaces that support learning, digital access and social connection,” he said. “This is a strong example of the city listening and responding in a constructive and considered way.”
Future Library Planning
Alongside the decision, the city announced it is fast-tracking its library strategy report to ensure future planning reflects both council priorities and community needs. The strategy will guide how library services evolve to meet changing expectations.
