Salem library cuts hours

SALEM — Salem Public Library has announced cuts in its hours and services to make up for a state funding shortage.

The library will close at 8:30 p.m., a half-hour earlier than usual. The new hours as of Saturday will be 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

It will not be open on Sundays during the fall, winter and spring as it has been in recent years.

The recently adopted state budget reduced library funding statewide by 11 percent.

Support from the state makes up 93 percent of the library’s operating revenue.

Brad Stephens, library director, said he anticipates the funding loss will reach $230,000 in 2010.

Some 800 people visit the library every day, he said.

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