Demopolis library announces new hours
The Demopolis Public Library will have new service hours beginning on Saturday, March 30. The library will close at noon on Friday, March 29 for Good Friday and be closed on Saturday, March 30 for Easter.
The new service hours will begin April 1, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will close on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Demopolis Public Library Board of Directors approved the change in service hours at their monthly meeting on Monday, February 25, 2013.
Library Director Morgan Grimes and library staff suggested the change after reviewing circulation statistics and library usage.
“As a library, we have to adjust to meet the needs of the community we serve. We feel that our community will be better served by staying open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, instead of closing at 1 p.m. like we have done in the past,” said Grimes.
“Library usage on Saturdays has decreased over the past year. We have tried having programs on Saturdays to increase library usage, but participation is very low or nonexistent. We feel the city’s resources will be better spent by staying open all day on Wednesdays, instead of opening on Saturdays.”
Library staff members constantly have patrons ask why the library closes at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, especially parents and students who need to use library resources for school projects.
“The change is very important for the Children’s Department,” said Children’s Librarian Kelley Tarpley. “The few children that use the library on Saturdays are using the internet for social media and games, not for homework or to check out library materials. Staying open all day on Wednesday will give library staff an extra day during the week to help students and parents use library resources for projects and assignments that are due on Thursdays and Fridays.”
Demopolis Public Library thrives to offer resources that will meet the community’s needs in the changing digital environment.
Patrons will be able to access the Alabama Virtual Library and download eBooks through the Black Belt Digital Library from home. Downloadable audiobooks will be available by April 1. This will provide patrons access to resources and materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week.