Central Coast Council has announced a temporary change to operating hours at Lake Haven Library in response to repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour occurring within and around the library precinct.
The Council says the library will close at 2pm on Fridays for a period of up to six months to address public safety risks for library customers, Council staff and the broader community.
Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the safety and wellbeing of people using and working at the Lake Haven Library remains Council’s highest priority.
“Lake Haven Library is a valuable and well-used community facility and Council remains committed to ensuring it continues to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone,” Mayor McKinna said.
“This temporary Friday afternoon closure is a precautionary measure designed to reduce risk during the period when anti-social behaviour most commonly occurs and will remain in place for up to six months while Council continues to monitor the situation.”
The Mayor said the library closure decision follows extensive efforts over several years to manage safety risks while maintaining access to library services. He said the temporary measure has been introduced only after continued incidents demonstrated the need for additional risk mitigation measures to be put in place.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the issues extend beyond the library itself and reflects a broader community safety challenge.
“Addressing anti-social behaviour requires a coordinated response and ongoing collaboration between government agencies, community organisations, businesses and the wider community,” Ms Smith said.
“Creating safe public spaces is a shared responsibility and lasting solutions require collective action from everyone involved.”
The Council said it is continuing to work closely with NSW Police and other agencies to identify and implement longer-term solutions aimed at improving safety outcomes.
Lake Haven Library will remain open during its usual operating hours on all other days, and community members are encouraged to continue using the library and its services.
Council says the temporary closure will be regularly reviewed, with the objective of creating a safer environment that supports the return of normal operational hours.
