The Portland Library will continue to stay open “after dark”, with a popular program extended for a further 12 months.

The Libraries After Dark program has been extended at the Portland Library until December 2023, offering the community fun, free inclusive events and activities every Thursday night.

The program will resume with slightly reduced hours of 5pm-9pm, one hour less than its current operating hours of 5pm-10pm.

Libraries and Information Services manager Tanya Flockhart said the program had quickly amassed a loyal patronage since it was first launched.

“The Libraries After Dark program was first launched in 2020 to extend our opening hours on Thursday nights and promote the library as an alternative venue and entertainment option, providing activities as well as full library services to the community,” she said.

“In two short years we have welcomed more than 2700 people across our Thursday evening programming and have reinforced the Glenelg Libraries’ core reputation as a safe and welcoming space for all to come.

“We continue to receive overwhelming feedback from our loyal patrons who say ‘I love Thursday nights’ and ‘I look forward to it all week’.

“We’re thrilled to see Libraries After Dark extended for a further 12 months and help continue to provide crucial opportunities for the community to come together in an informal setting and learn new skills, listen to music or simply study.

“Keep an eye out for regular updates, with upcoming Libraries After Dark sessions including figure drawing, mandala colouring and a clay workshop.

“We look forward to continuing to welcome new faces to the Library on Thursday evenings.”

For further information on upcoming Libraries After Dark events, please visit the Glenelg Libraries website or Facebook page.