By Lindsay Fiori
Journal Times | Posted: Saturday, August 2, 2008 12:00 am
RACINE - Patrons wanting more hours of operation is nothing new for the Racine Public Library.
"Every time we've done a survey, people want us to be open longer," said Director Jessica MacPhail.
But the library, 75 Seventh St., is considering a change in its weekly operating hours, and has drafted a new proposed operating schedule.
Under the proposal, from Monday to Wednesday, the library would close an hour earlier.
On Thursdays, the library would stay open 2½ hours later. On Fridays and Saturdays, the building would open two hours earlier, but close 60 to 90 minutes earlier.
On Sundays, the library would be open the same number of hours but would open earlier in the afternoon.
The proposal for an hours change was written by MacPhail based on input from staff members. Staff members met Thursday to discuss the issue further.
"We've been planning for next year's budget and we keep circling around to: we know people want us to be open longer, is there any way?" she said. "The staff sat down and looked at possible schedule scenarios."
Changing hours will cut wage and salary costs by rearranging the hours of full- and part-time staff work, MacPhail said.
Three years ago, the library was open 76 hours a week and seven days a week. Based on a recommendation from MacPhail, the Library Board shortened operating hours to 56 a week. In the summer, the library is open only 54 hours because it closes Sundays.
Shortening hours was a cost-saving measure and hours were set based on times of heaviest use, MacPhail said. The Board of Trustees is seeking public input before making a decision on the proposed schedule at a 4:30 p.m. meeting Aug. 21 at the library. The meeting is open to the public. People also may provide input by calling (262) 636-9252 with comments, or by completing a survey on the library's Web site:
http://www.racinelibrary.info
If public comments are in favor of an hours change, the board will make a decision at the meeting. If public input leans toward keeping hours the same, the item will not even be addressed, MacPhail said.
CURRENT HOURS
Monday through Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 2 to 5 p.m. October through April. Closed May through September.
Total hours open: 56
PROPOSED HOURS
Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 4 p.m. October through Memorial Day in May and closing the Sunday before and after Christmas. Closed June through September.
Total Hours Open: 56