Library: Stop in on Sunday

By Phil Pfuehler

People wanting longer hours at the public library have their wishes answered.

Starting February the library will be open Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m.

Also starting in February, the library will stay open one hour later on Fridays. New Friday hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Library Director Barb Hauer said the extended hours reflect public feedback, including two recent surveys as well as comments from patrons.

"Sunday hours was the overwhelming choice," Hauer said. "We also wanted to increase the hours we were open because of what state guidelines recommend for a library our size."

Another library aide was hired to help cover the extended hours. A new self-checkout system for patrons will be installed soon. Hauer said this should boost work efficiency and add convenience for library patrons.

Last March the library added 3 more open hours for Saturdays. The library was only open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday hours are now 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We're always looking at ways to improve library services," Hauer said. "We want to provide the best customer service for every tax dollar spent."

Hauer credited the Library Board and City Council for backing her effort to expand hours. The council must budget enough money for the library to stay open longer.

Hauer said the staff continually monitors usage to see if any changes are needed in the times the library should be open.

The new Sunday hours tentatively are set for September through May. Hauer said most public libraries close Sundays during summer and reopen with the new school year.