Over the last four years or so, the three Duluth libraries have had restricted hours, mostly for economic reasons. They would be open only a few days a week, but now that has changed:
"At the two branch libraries, the weekly hours of operation are now more than doubled, from 19.5 to 44. At the main library downtown, the hours are 51 compared to 43.5."
The libraries are open every day, and officials are rejoicing "to see people so happy with the hours."
It isn't only the people who look for books who have been affected by this. There are kids who want to get tutoring; parents who want a place for their children to play; and others who want to get together for book clubs and other recreational book activities. The officials are also happy because more hours allow for more flexibility for employees as well, as they "would get slammed" during such limited times.
I am also very glad that this has occurred. Even though, between school, work, and reading my own books, I have not been to non-school library in a very long time. I've been wanting to go back on a more regular basis, partly to save money, and partly to find older books that may not be in print anymore (I've always been a fan of the classics). Over the last few years, I've been in the habit of buying books more or less on a whim, coming out of a book store with as many as five in a bag. Wanting to change that, I've refrained from buying new books (except for school) and have been concentrating on reading and re-reading the ones I already have as time permits. Going off of we have been discussing in class, I'm trying to pay more attention what I read (consume) and think about what I can afford to give up (donating the books I don't want to keep.
I also think that these new library hours would be very good for those with lower incomes and those who may not be able to afford to buy books, electronic or traditional. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to bring people closer together, since reading can be public activity as well as a private one.
What do you think about the new library hours? Here is a link to the article:
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/220203/
