Hours to be changed at some library sites

Library funding is down $380,000 this year, says an official.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will make slight changes in hours at several of its branch libraries beginning Sunday.

The changes are minor and cut only 10 hours per week systemwide. But the impact on the library’s budget is sizable, representing a savings of nearly $400,000 because of changes in staffing patterns, said Janet Loew, the library’s communication and public relations director.

The library continues to make modifications because of a decline in state funding, which is down nearly $380,000 this year. Since 2001, the library has experienced a decline in annual funding of $1.8 million, Loew said.

Statistics show that in tough economic times, use of libraries increase. The library has seen usage rise over the past months and is aware of the importance of libraries to the community. Therefore, the library is giving careful consideration to any changes that impact the public, such as hours, she added.

With the change in hours, Mahoning County’s libraries will still be open to the public 744.5 hours each week, which is down by only 10 hours per week systemwide.

A flier listing current hours is available at all libraries in the Mahoning County system and on the library’s Web site, LibraryVisit.org.