New Hours for APL Starting Nov. 6

September 14, 2023 | Library News

View the new hours, which go into effect Nov. 6

APL will adjust operating hours across the seven-branch district starting on Monday, Nov. 6. The decision to modify service hours was approved by the APL Board of Trustees at its Sept. 12 meeting.

“The library’s strategic plan calls on us to reach new audiences and increase our presence in the community, especially on weekends, and we had to figure out a way to make that happen within our budget,“ said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “Outreach and programming bring new people in and connect people with library services.”

Weekend hours will see the biggest changes. Saturday hours will be expanded at the three largest locations, with Howe, Pine Hills, and Washington Ave. opening 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, and Delaware branches will be closed on Saturdays so that staff can support services and programs at Howe, Pine Hills, and Washington Ave. Sunday hours, 1 to 5 pm, will be offered at three locations: Arbor Hill/West Hill, Bach, and Delaware. Currently there are six locations open on Saturdays, with bare-minimum staffing.

“In terms of our weekend services district-wide, we’re focused on quality over quantity. With the new hours at Howe, Pine Hills, and Washington Ave., we’ll be able to have regular Saturday programs for youth and adults, and do more weekend outreach in the community,” Nicolay said.

The new service hours also include changes to Washington Ave. weekday hours, which will look more like weekday hours at other branches. Washington Ave. will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, 12 to 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays.

“As a board, we are always looking to expand library hours, but our resources don’t support that right now,” said Brigitte Pryor, president of the APL Board of Trustees. “We hope that these changes will provide a positive impact for our community, and we will be evaluating the new hours to assess their effectiveness and ensure that they best serve the needs of our patrons.”

The library board and administration will continue to examine the budget, staffing, and usage in an effort to determine ways to expand hours for patrons.

NEW BRANCH HOURS START ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023

Note: All branches will continue to be closed on Sundays in July and August.

Stephanie Simon

Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.