Drew Pilkinton was one of about 100 people who filled the Wanaka Community Centre for the public forum on the proposed restructuring of library services.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden said it was a draft proposal and the council would not change anything without public consultation.
Drew used his three-minute quota to tell councillors that if library staff were to be reduced, it was likely library users such as him would suffer.
''The library is a place where it's nice and quiet. If you cut the staff it will get busier and louder. Libraries are supposed to be quiet, not loud,'' he said, drawing applause, including from some councillors.
Outside the meeting QLDC chief executive Adam Feeley commended those who spoke and said the comments would be considered.
''The council is committed to the organisation review consultation process.
''The community has provided us with their views on one aspect of that review and I am very grateful to those people for taking the time to demonstrate the value with which Wanaka holds its library.''
The council proposes reducing the number of librarians and turning the Wanaka and Queenstown libraries into a place for customers to carry out other council business. Up to 15 Wanaka residents were heard yesterday, most of whom claimed the changes would hit service.
Denise Bunn, of Wanaka, said the library was ''the jewel in the crown of the Queenstown Lakes District Council'' and this was because of the staff's dedication, professionalism and welcoming environment.
The Association of Public Library Managers said in a statement yesterday the QLDC's proposal was a ''cost-cutting exercise'' that would see the high standard of library services downgraded.
