Library workers are calling on the public to support their campaign for more library staff to ensure safety and delivery of much-loved programs and services.
The Services Union, representing Brisbane City Council (BCC) library workers, have launched a petition calling for Brisbane LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to boost staff to meet staffing ratios set by the State Library of Queensland.
BCC library staffing levels have fallen by 21% over the past five years, despite Brisbane’s population growing by 5.5% at the same time.
In Brisbane, staff-to-population ratios are currently at their lowest levels since the State Library of Queensland started recording them in 2010. BCC’s library staff to population ratio is at 58%. The Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Ipswich are all over 80% and Logan is at 100%.
The Services Union Secretary Neil Henderson said that the failure to adequately staff libraries struck at the heart of the community.
“Anyone who visits their library know how important library services are.”
“Library workers deserve the support of the Council through adequate staffing levels to ensure that staff can meet the expectations of the community and can come to work and do their job properly without cutting corners or putting themselves at risk.”
Employee surveys revealed that library workers were experiencing workplace conditions that impacted staff safety and delivery of services.
88% of staff noticed a decline in service quality or delivery due to staffing shortages. 92% of staff surveyed described their workload as unsustainable or overwhelming, and 86% of staff said workload pressures impacted health, safety and wellbeing. 88% of staff surveyed said there were not enough staff to safely and effectively deliver services in their area.
Testimonies collected from staff by the union said that on some days, entire floors of libraries had no staff at all.
“It’s not uncommon that Level 2 on a Monday has no staff at all on the final shift. Our customers are simply abandoned because there is no one to work the level.”
Others say that Council has long known about staff issues but has not taken any action. Additionally, that someone calling in sick can seriously affect the workday.
“In 2025, management were provided data that indicated nearly 80% of librarians were experiencing anxiety and 36% experiencing depression due to psychosocial workplace hazards. Management took no substantive action in response.”
“When someone calls in sick at an already understaffed branch, it can be catastrophic for the roster. A flexible staff member may be moved from another branch where staff have already planned their day around having that person. If a flexible staff member isn’t available, a permanent staff member can be moved from their usual branch.”
Council Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy said that when Brisbane’s LNP Council cuts, it’s staff and ratepayers that pay the price.
“Council’s Library staff have raised alarming instances of under-staffing, staff abuse, staff fatigue and cuts to services they can no longer deliver.”
“The Lord Mayor cannot play the blame game any longer, he made the decision to cut Library staff and he is responsible for these issues.”
“The Lord Mayor must step up and invest in our workforce. The services these staff deliver to the people of Brisbane are invaluable and so are our staff.”
You can view the petition and add your support here.
