1. REVISED OPENING HOURS
WALKERVILLE LIBRARY
Walkerville Library staff were emailed on 22 May 2014 asking their thoughts about the library
opening times as discussed in the Community Services Team Meeting held Thursday 22 May 2014.
AnnabelleMugge,Carolyn McEwan,JoHarley and Ruth Kennyemailedresponses, and Team Leader
Library Warren Winship has added his thoughts.
RosemaryClarke isonindefinite medical leave,andKarenHendryisonholidayssoneithercouldadd
their comments.
Background
Since 6 January 2014 Walkerville Library opens Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9.30am
to 1.30pm.
Thisequatestoa total of 44 hoursperweek. This is a reduction from the previous 48.5 hours over 7
days (up to 20 December 2013).
Saturday
Library staff have commented the number of people on a Saturday ease off between midday and
1.30pm as a general rule. All respondents agreed with closing at 1pm considering the easing of
numbers and as a compromise for a late closing during the week.
Late Night
Staff agree there shouldbe one late nightopeningwith the general consensus being a 7pm closing.
This would then allow for the Book Group to meet in the library between 5.30-6.30pm and have
time to be out of the library by 7pm closing. The Book Group would need to be finished in advance
of the library closing so staff are not waiting to close beyond allotted time.
Previous monitoring of Wednesday nights between 6-8pm showed numbers dropping after about
6.30pm. Three of the four respondents suggested Monday 9am to 7pm as the preference. The
advantage of thisis nootherlibrariesclose byare openbeyond 6pm (Campbelltown and Burnside),
St. Peterscloses at 5pm, and three ERA libraries (Prospect, Norwood and Payneham) are closed all
Monday.This couldallowWalkerville Librarytofill avoidonMonday evenings. HavingMondaynight
openings will also coincide with Council meetings, potentially encouraging more of the public to
attend these meetings and having the advantage of security guard on-duty for staff safety once a
month.
Annabelle Mugge, Carolyn McEwan and Jo Harley have all offered to work 11am to 7pm Monday
shifts,withWarrenWinshipalsobeingavailable. Jo would work her normal 9am to 5pm on the first
and third Monday each month for her Baby Bounce session.
Costing’s
Closing the library 30 minutes earlier to 1pm on a Saturday would save $2290pa which includes
savings on casual staff for less time on a Saturday (saving over $2000 alone).
Extending Monday night closing to 7pm will increase costs by approximately $890pa.
This equates to an overall saving on staffing of approximately $1400pa.
Recommendation
Revise operatingtimesof Walkerville LibrarytoMonday9am to 7pm, Tuesdayto Friday9am to 5pm,
and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.