Schedules adjusted to keep libraries open
Currently, all branches are open Monday through Friday. Starting monday, half of the branches will be open Tuesday through Saturday.
Just weeks after Philadelphia officials warned that the entire city library system could be shutdown, library leaders are now adjusting schedules to provide Saturday hours at some branches. Currently, all branches are open Monday through Friday. Starting Monday, half of the branches will be open Tuesday through Saturday.
Listen:
[audio: 091005lflibrary.mp3]
Neighborhood branches will be paired up and their staff will be combined – with one library open Monday through Friday, and its nearby partner library open Tuesday through Saturday.
Free Library Director Siobhan Reardon says the new schedule will help prevent the unexpected library closings that have happened over the last year because of staff shortages.
Reardon: If you take the Queen Memorial Branch and we pair it with the South Philadelphia library – they’re nearby and the neighborhood has service Monday through Saturday – even though the Queen Memorial library is operating Monday – Friday and South Philadelphia is open Tuesday – Saturday.
Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia Director Amy Dougherty says given budgetary constraints, the group supports the shared sacrifice schedule, and it’s better than closing branches entirely.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.