Concerns are growing for the future of Brisbane City Council libraries after a series of cuts by the LNP Council.
New figures reveal Brisbane City Council library staff numbers have been in decline over the past two years, with 236.6 FTE employed this financial year compared to 250.6 in 2023/24 and 261 in 2022/23.
Another serious concern is the cuts to the much loved First Five Forever program, which has received growing amounts of public backlash.
From December, the popular First Five Forever program will be reduced from 98 sessions across Brisbane to 75.
At some libraries that have had sessions cut, they’re already turning away 30 families because of capacity.
Leader of Council Opposition, Cr Jared Cassidy said it’s clear the LNP Council don’t value their library staff or this program.
“How can this LNP Regime justify staff and program cuts to Brisbane City Council libraries when sessions are reaching capacity and staff are being overworked?” he said.
“We know the LNP Council are aware these program cuts will cause stress in the community because they’ve also provided a script to library staff to share with disgruntled patrons. It’s just wrong to make the staff do their dirty work.”
“The First Five Programs are well attended and highly valued across the community. They are great for learning, fun and create connection for parents. We’ve heard from many community members who are upset by the changes,” Cr Cassidy said.
Morningside Ward Councillor and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Cr Lucy Collier has launched a petition calling on Council to reinstate the sessions that have been cut.
The Services Union are also calling for greater support across Brisbane libraries, with many staff showing high levels of distress about the cuts to the First Five Program as well as other ongoing budget concerns.
Lead Organiser from the Services Union, Tom Rivers said many libraries are not currently able to service the demand for these sessions and staff are left to deal with the upset community members.
In addition, many libraries report that there continue to be unfilled staff vacancies in many libraries.
At the most recent Brisbane City Council meeting, Brisbane Labor moved a motion for the LNP Council to reinstate the cuts to the First Five Forever program, but they said no.
