The Main and two regional libraries are now open seven days a week during the school year. All other branches are open shorter hours as a result of budget limitations, with open hours ranging from 31 hours to 54 hours each week. Only four of the 17 libraries are open every school night. A closed library is a very expensive investment gone idle. Patrons prefer consistent, predictable hours of service.
Longer hours spread volume of use and relieve crowding.
Incremental cost of longer hours is the cost of staffing. Books, equipment, furnishings, rent and capital costs are all being paid already. Louisville and Jefferson County no longer operate on a 9 to 5 schedule. This community is moving to a 24-hour clock. The Commission recommends the City and County fund extension of branch library hours of operation to respond to the busy lifestyles of today's families.