MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has notified library staff of what changes will be implemented as part of an upcoming library restructure.
The shire completed a library review and presented staff with the proposed changes on 17 September (“Concern over restructure of shire libraries”, The News, 20/10/26).
A staff consultation period took place, with the findings disclosed to staff at a meeting on 14 October.
A staff member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the staff are still unhappy and there have been three resignations, with more expected to come.
“There were no library-qualified people on the working group that did this restructure so they have actively excluded us,” said the staff member.
“I find that disgraceful and against the corporate council values of transparency and respect.”
They confirmed Somerville Library will remain open for the time being while a lease negotiation takes place.
Hours will be reduced to 10am to 5pm, and the library will be closed on Saturdays.
The staff member said employees will now have the title of Library Officer or Senior Library Officer, and the position no longer requires librarian qualifications.
“They have said this will expand the pool of people applying as they have found that it is hard to attract librarians to fill those roles,” said the staff member.
“In my opinion, it is also because nearly all positions in the last year were made temporary due to the review and that wouldn’t attract people who would have to resign a permanent position for a temporary one.”
The employee said the proposed floating pool of staff to work across all branches has been abandoned and staff will be able to nominate a preferred branch and stay there.
They said there will be more specialist librarian roles, who will be based in branch to allow for coverage of lunch breaks and programs.
“So, they are expected to do their work with this but also to cover absences,” said the staff member.
“This spells disaster.”
The staff member said originally, management said making the branches consistent with opening hours was a big part of the review.
“However, Somerville won’t be open weekends, Mornington has a contract with its cafe and will have to open earlier than other branches and so their consistency is already compromised,” said the staff member.
The staff member said there will still be no casual staff, but the relief pool will include a Band 5 Senior Library Officer and four Band 4 Library Officers.
“The relief pool seems too small for the amount of hours the casuals pick up,” said the staff member.
“For example, just a few weeks ago, there were three casual librarians doing full shifts at one library due to staff leave, illness and training. There was another casual librarian on the same day at another branch. How will they be able to cover this number of absences with the equivalent of one Relief Senior Library Officer?”
Mornington resident Lisa Tyler said she lives around the corner from Mornington Library and uses it regularly.
“I believe it is absolutely essential for all of the community,” said Tyler.
She wrote to the Director of Communities at the shire, Cheryl Casey, requesting information surrounding the community engagement undertaken in June.
“Given that council services are taxpayer-funded, the community has a democratic right to verify how its feedback was interpreted,” Tyler wrote in the letter.
“If this review was truly launched to ensure the network “meets community needs”, there should be no hesitation in showing the public exactly what those stated needs were.”
In response, Casey said 621 community members were consulted and asked about their experiences of library services, current and future needs, priorities, and opportunities for improvement.
She said the process was not designed to seek feedback on specific staffing structures, positions, or employment arrangements.
Casey said a summary of the community engagement findings is currently being finalised and will be made publicly available.
“The review does not recommend reducing access to library services,” wrote Casey in the email.
“Instead, it recommends a more flexible and connected service model that will support longer opening hours, expanded Library Van services, improved digital access, stronger community partnerships and more consistent services across the peninsula.”
Casey said the future of Somerville Library is still unsure and council is working to extend the lease to allow more time for a detailed review.
“In relation to staffing, I reassure you that the final workforce structure strengthens the library service, with an overall increase in staffing resources and a continued focus on professional library expertise,” said Casey.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 October 2026
