Why South Australians are embracing libraries after dark
South Australian libraries are changing how people make use of these beloved community spaces – opening their doors after dark to welcome learners, workers and night owls alike.
Local libraries have long been safe, welcoming spaces open to all, serving as vibrant community hubs where people of all ages come together to learn, connect and share ideas. But as the way we live, work and connect continuously evolves, so too has the role of libraries.
When most people think of their local library, they imagine shelves lined with books, quiet study nooks or even a storytime session for kids. However, did you know that many South Australians can now access their libraries outside of regular areas?
For those who can’t make it to the library during the day – whether that be students juggling classes, shift workers finishing late or small business owners – after-hours access can make all the difference.
Recognising this need, local councils have begun to introduce after-hours initiatives in a number of their hubs, giving the community greater flexibility to use library services at a time that’s convenient to them. This initiative also help ensure libraries continue to play a vital role in fostering learning, facilitating access to technology and helping people connect with digital services.
Always open in the Copper Coast
One standout example is the Kadina Community Library, which has taken accessibility a step further as the first public library in South Australia to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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The library’s Always Open model means anyone can access the space at any time that suits them, whether to borrow a book, study, print documents, use the free wi-fi or simply enjoy a comfortable and quiet community environment.
The initiative began with the Copper Coast Council’s vision to create a space that could serve the community around the clock while maintaining safety, comfort and access to essential services. Following upgrades to lighting, security and technology systems, the facility now operates as both a staffed service during the day and a secure self-access space after hours.
Community members can apply for an access pass through a simple registration and induction process, giving them the freedom to visit whenever they need. The result is a truly inclusive, accessible space that supports students, families, shift workers and residents who may not have internet access at home.
Since launching the trial in 2021, the program has grown to include more than 230 registered 24/7 users, with usage peaking in the early mornings, evenings and weekends. The service has been widely praised for providing a safe, welcoming space for lifelong learning, earning the Copper Coast Council the 2022 Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries.
Mayor Roslyn Talbot says that, as the first in South Australia to trial out of hours access, Kadina Community Library is proud to be able to offer this innovative service to residents.
“The response has shown how highly valued libraries are to our community,” she says. “Making Kadina Community Library a 24/7 facility ensures it is more accessible to all residents, providing a great service so that everyone can take advantage of all the facilities the library has to offer.”
Salisbury Hub After Dark
Another community library leading this charge is the City of Salisbury, with its Salisbury Hub After Dark initiative.
After launching the initiative in late 2023 to provide a productive workspace for the community’s night owls, locals have eagerly embraced the new hours, making use of the hub’s study nooks, modern workspaces, public computers and free wi-fi.
Claudine Spinner, team leader community learning and development at City of Salisbury, says that the After Dark initiative has been valuable for a wide range of people, including students preparing for exams or working on assignments, sole contractors catching up on work and neurodiverse community members who appreciate the quiet, inclusive environment.
“The ethos of the program is that it’s available to the whole community for quiet activities,” she says. “There’s plenty of room and quiet spaces for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age or purpose.”
Payinthi After Five
In Adelaide’s inner north, the City of Prospect’s Payinthi After Five initiative is helping residents make the most of their evenings in the heart of Prospect Road.
Open from 5pm to 8pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), Payinthi After Five extends the use of the city’s popular community facility into the evening, offering a relaxed space for study, quiet reading and remote work.
Visitors are invited to bring their own devices and enjoy free public wi-fi throughout the building, while self-serve borrowing stations make it easy to take home library items at any time. Though core council services, printing and the toy library remain closed after hours, the calm and comfortable environment has made Payinthi a popular choice for locals looking to unwind or catch up on work in a community setting.
A space for everyone
It’s no surprise initiatives like this have been so well received. South Australians have always valued their libraries, with 140-plus public hubs across the state welcoming more than 796,000 visitors per year and 9.7 million visits. These figures highlight that libraries remain among the most trusted and valued community assets and, with extended hours now available, that number is expected to rise.
For more information on South Australian libraries offering extended or after-hours access, and how you can support the positive impact that they have in communities, visit How Good Are Libraries.
This article was brought to you by InDaily and LGA South Australia.
