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.
The council was concerned about the safety of its two Mataura librarians, who work alone most of the time, and customers.
That led to a public meeting in May, attended by about 50 people, about anti-social behaviour in the town in May.
At a Gore District Council community wellbeing meeting yesterday, statistics showed there had been a 38% increase in crime in Mataura for the quarter to March this year.
South Gore also had a 29.2% increase in crime.
Cr Neville Phillips, of Mataura, said he would like to emphasise police were working hard with the community to deal with crime in the town.
He hoped the next quarter would show a downward trend.
Cr Richard McPhail said it was important to compare the crime rate statistics with other parts of the country.
"We’re still about seven or eight percent behind the national crime rate. It’s a desirable and safe community out there," he said.
"Probably a lot more desirable than some other places round New Zealand."
In a statement yesterday, the council said the library had carried out two risk assessments and had discussions with staff.
There had been no incidents of disorder since the change of hours.
During the trial the library will be open from 10am-4pm, giving customers an uninterrupted service.
The library closes from 12.30pm-1pm for lunch at present.
The free public Wi-Fi would be turned off from 3pm-5pm to deter youths from congregating in the area.
However, customers may use the library’s computers for online research or study.
Council library manager Emma Sherie said neighbouring businesses had benefited from the Wi-Fi being off in the afternoons and were keen to see this continue.
The trial starts on July 15 and will be reviewed in three months.
