Over the past six months, the library staff conducted an hourly usage study to determine when the building had the most and least number of visitors. We have been tracking this information since September 2021, when the library reopened to pre-Covid full operating hours.
Based on the information gathered, a proposal was submitted to the Library Board and Township Council to decrease one hour of weekday evening hours and eliminate Sunday hours year-round. This recommendation was made carefully, based on actual data gathered.
Our study revealed that only 2.5% of our weekday patrons used the library during the hours of 8 to 9 p.m. From September 2021 through February 2022, these evening hours were consistently the least used timeframe. We have also experienced decreased library visitors on Sundays compared to other days of the week.
The Library Board unanimously voted on Tuesday, March 8, to recommend to Council that these changes begin the week of April 17, 2022. The proposal was presented to Council on Monday, March 14. Council authorized the proposed changes to the hours of operation with a unanimous vote.
Beginning the week of April 17, 2022, new library hours will be:
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on Sunday.
Under these new hours, the Peters Township Public Library staff will still be available to serve you for 58 hours per week. We feel this is the best way to continue serving our community’s needs in a fiscally responsible manner. We look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to expand our in-person programming in the coming months. Thank you for your continued support.
Best,
Lacey Love
Peters Township Public Library Director