THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Funding cuts have forced the Sacramento Public Library to reschedule hours of service for all of its 28 branch locations.
The new hours of service provide a five-day per week schedule in 26 of 28 locations, with most branches closed on Sundays and Mondays and provides Saturday service and extends Friday hours to 6 p.m. in all locations. The new schedule also provides services until 8 p.m. at least one evening per week in most locations. The library’s Telephone Information Service (TELIS) will continue to be available on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., (916) 264-2920.
The changes reflect a system-wide reduction of 43.5 hours per week, the equivalent of closing one medium-sized branch. The library’s website offers 24/7 access to many library services, including book renewals, payment of fines, and catalog search and request. Online databases also provide access to full text newspaper and magazine articles, homework helps for students, genealogical research, auto repair, language instruction, job skill development, and music, eBook and audio book downloads.
With many positions being held vacant and the loss of substitutes that have traditionally provided coverage for vacations and illnesses, the library has had to carefully review staffing models to determine a realistic number of hours each branch could be open. Staff considered a variety of factors when preparing the revised schedule, including usage patterns, community needs, and information gleaned from community forums held in July.
The new hours took effect Oct. 8. In Natomas, the branches are now open:
North Natomas Library, 4660 Via Ingoglia
Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday closed.
South Natomas Library, 2901 Truxel Road
Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday closed.
The library will monitor usage patterns over the next six months to evaluate the schedules in each location, and make adjustments as needed. Staff welcomes public feedback, which may be sent to [email protected], or submitted in writing via comment cards available at branch service desks, or by letter addressed to Sacramento Public Library, ATTN: Director, 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
For more information, please visit the library’s website, or call (916) 264-2920.
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