The new member will support the two current staff and the Mataura Library and Service Centre has reduced its operating hours once again while the new staff member is recruited.
Mataura ward councillor Neville Phillips said the new role would be extremely important.
"Once we get this new staff member it’ll be really good."
The role, titled community connections co-ordinator, was first advertised last Thursday.
The hire would work on activities and events at the library and support the needs of the community, Cr Phillips said.
"It’ll put a bit of pressure off of the library staff.
"[It is] extremely important. It just means that they can go back to opening for longer hours."
In March of this year, the library was forced to change its closing time to 2.30pm due to escalating anti-social behaviour by young people.
Groups were loitering after school in the building and outside to use the free Wi-Fi.
Those hours were expanded on July 15, the closing time moving to 4pm, while the Wi-Fi is being turned off from 3pm-5pm.
Last Thursday, those hours reverted to a 2.30pm closing time while the new staff member was recruited.
Cr Phillips extolled the benefit of having two staff working at once.
"It’s just a much better, safe environment for not only the staff but for the community as well."
This was discussed in response to a report by Gore District Libraries manager Emma Sherie presented at a Mataura Community Board meeting on Monday.
Two letters from the community had also been given to the board and were also discussed at the meeting.
"The letters were from residents of the town ... just expressing their concerns about the opening hours and the team," Cr Phillips said.
The community board was pleased with the result of adding a new staff member.
"Staff have been working pretty hard to get the best outcome."
