Library Hours

[GoodWitch58]

Anyone know how the change in the Library hours came about? I searched for a mention of it on Sowal, but did not find. Also searched the County Website for Minutes or an Agenda Item for it, but did not find it there either.
I read in the newspaper that the hours were changing due to budget cuts; and the days to close had been decided based on a study of traffic during all the days; I would like more information and to know who made the decision.

I really think that not having the Library open at all on the weekend is a disservice to all the people who work during the day Mon-Fri. Monday evening until 8 pm just does not make up for losing Saturdays IMO.

My grandchildren and I go to the library a lot and no weekend hours make it difficult during the school year.
I would like to know how this happened and who to lodge a complaint/request to reconsider with. Anybody know?

 

[Just Curious]

I checked with Ken Little, Walton County Citizen Services Director, about this. I asked about swaping a weekday for a Saturday, and he said they would look into it, but Saturdays were one of the slowest days, and Mondays were actually their busiest. His number is 892-8530. He was very helpful, and said that he would stay in touch about the issue.

 

[scooterbug44]

I wondered about the decision too - but figured that they used the door counts to figure the schedule.

I know that I purposefully avoided the library on saturdays because of the 331 cluster and then would go Monday after work and figured others did too. (Yes, I know there is an alternate route besides 331, but I have a tendency to autopilot).

 

[Alicia Leonard]

Anyone know how the change in the Library hours came about? I searched for a mention of it on Sowal, but did not find. Also searched the County Website for Minutes or an Agenda Item for it, but did not find it there either.
I read in the newspaper that the hours were changing due to budget cuts; and the days to close had been decided based on a study of traffic during all the days; I would like more information and to know who made the decision.

I really think that not having the Library open at all on the weekend is a disservice to all the people who work during the day Mon-Fri. Monday evening until 8 pm just does not make up for losing Saturdays IMO.

My grandchildren and I go to the library a lot and no weekend hours make it difficult during the school year.
I would like to know how this happened and who to lodge a complaint/request to reconsider with. Anybody know?

I want to say it was discussed during the workshop when the millage was set. I covered that quite a few weeks back.

 

[Smiling JOe]

No door counts at the libraries. Probably based on slow Saturdays or staff wanting back to back days off.

 

[scooterbug44]

SJ - they have a clipboard at the checkout where they keep track of how many people use the various services each day and go in and out.

I thought the electronic thingies at the entrance did counts too.

 

[Pearce]

I want to say it was discussed during the workshop when the millage was set. I covered that quite a few weeks back.

I read this in the paper too.

It would be nice if we could have Saturday's back and maybe they'd consider opening later in the morning and staying open later in the evening (10:30 - 7:30, etc) so us 9-5ers can go to the library with our kids. I was very disappointed to learn the library closed on Saturdays... my kids were equally disappointed especially now since school started back!

 

[Matt J]

No door counts at the libraries. Probably based on slow Saturdays or staff wanting back to back days off.

SJ - they have a clipboard at the checkout where they keep track of how many people use the various services each day and go in and out.

I thought the electronic thingies at the entrance did counts too.

The electronic thingies at the door are the same ones you find in stores. They detect the anti-theft stickers placed in all the books, CD's, DVD's, etc.

Even if there isn't an actual counter, which I find hard to believe, there are plenty of other ways to determine usage.

Books checked out/returned inside
Internet usage
Hourly visual counts

I doubt that the librarians just wanted back to back days off and it's quite frankly insulting to the staff. Librarians generally aren't in it for the money, much like school teachers, firefighters, cops, etc. They could still have back to back days off with Sunday and Monday.

 

[GoodWitch58]

T

I doubt that the librarians just wanted back to back days off and it's quite frankly insulting to the staff. Librarians generally aren't in it for the money, much like school teachers, firefighters, cops, etc. They could still have back to back days off with Sunday and Monday.

I agree.

I think the people who work at Coastal Branch are great. They have helped to instill a love of books, reading, and the Library itself in both my grandchildren, and I am sure, in many other children.

They certainly don't get paid enough, and I would be willing to bet, they were not particularly listened to when this subject came up. I think they are dedicated and knowledgeable, not to speak of helpful, kind, and friendly to everyone. And surely not appreciated as much as they should be by the "powers that be".

I can think of several things that the County pays for that I would eliminate before I would close the Library to everyone who works Monday through Friday!

 

[wrobert]

SJ - they have a clipboard at the checkout where they keep track of how many people use the various services each day and go in and out.

I thought the electronic thingies at the entrance did counts too.

Attached is the latest report and all the stats I had. The only counts I have are in DeFuniak Springs. I had to turn them into pdf files so not sure the whole thing is there, I sent them to WCTA in the past, maybe they will get on the website if people need further or just get Ken Little to get them for you.