Libraries implement new hours

The new year will bring changes to Spokane public libraries, starting with increased hours at the Shadle and South Hill libraries. The libraries will add Mondays to their schedules open consistently every day at 10 a.m. as part of a 20 percent increase in library hours systemwide.

At their December meeting, the Library Board of Trustees approved the new hours for the libraries, effective Wednesday. The Downtown Library’s hours will not change except that the Northwest Room, which is located at the Downtown Library, will add Thursday mornings to its schedule.

The schedule at Hillyard, East Side and Indian Trail has changed to make it more convenient and easier to remember. The change was based on customer feedback, including a survey in which more than 1,200 people responded saying that evening hours were important and also that the previous schedule was hard to remember.

Because of previous budget cuts, Monday hours have not been available at any city libraries for the past three years.

“We’re thrilled to be able to reopen on Mondays at two of our locations,” said Pat Partovi, library director. “Spokane citizens will now have library access three evenings a week, Mondays at South Hill and Shadle, Tuesdays at all locations and Wednesdays at Downtown, East Side, Hillyard and Indian Trail.”