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Pasco Libraries Might Close Mondays

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 6, 2009

Updated: 03/06/2009 04:09 pm

HUDSON - A second round of cutbacks in hours could mean all Pasco County library branches will close two days a week instead of one.

Monday hours would be eliminated starting April 6 at all branches under a proposal from Linda Allen, the county libraries director. Branches currently are closed on Sundays.

In addition, county libraries would stay open until 8 p.m. only one night each week, rather than the current two.

The County Commission is scheduled to look over the new round of cutbacks at its meeting Tuesday in Dade City.

The choice could come down to closing branches or trimming operating hours, Commissioner Pat Mulieri said today. She would prefer to reduce hours, Mulieri said.

A severe budget crunch is looming over the county's 2010 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. That prompted the suggestion for a five-day schedule for county libraries, Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Because of a hiring freeze 17 library positions remain vacant while demand for library services is up sharply. A shorter, 40-hour, work week would help library staff cope.

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