Starting on May 1st, you’ll have less time to spend in the Bancroft Public Library.
The board has announced the library will be cutting down on the hours that it’s open on Tuesday and Wednesday. Going forward, it will open at 2:00pm instead of noon on both days. Three hours of planning for weekly children’s programming will also be shaved off. The programming itself will not be affected for now.
Chair Noreen Tinney says the board made the decision because the library took on extra costs this year, and couldn’t balance the budget.
Tinney says the board would need an extra $10,000 this year to take on the added expenses. She says the town was asked for the money, but the board didn’t expect to get it.
Residents are being encouraged to let the library know how it can meet the community’s needs into the future. Tinney says residents can also help by advocating about how important the library is to all levels of government.
The library board says it will be offering members a chance to advocate on the library’s behalf in the future. More information has yet to be released.
Tinney says the board is very positive about the future at it works on a strategic plan to address issues around accessibility, space, and the library’s budget.