Beaufort County libraries to change hours in January at users' requests
Five of Beaufort County's six public libraries will change their operating hours beginning Jan. 2.
The changes are tailored to each branch based on a survey of almost 800 library card holders across the county and data on library visits, said libraries director Ray McBride.
In Beaufort, for example, respondents said they wanted to access the library earlier -- before the city's paid parking there fills up, he said.
Others said they wanted more morning hours on Fridays, and data showed some branches would have as few as eight or 10 people visit during their last evening hour, McBride added.
The adjustments beginning next year will shift each location's hours to match its particular needs, although the changes will not expand hours, he said.
"At our current level of budget and staffing, we can maintain the existing hours, but we do not have the staff to expand hours at any of the branches," McBride said. "All of our branches are well used, but we're not stressed as far as the numbers coming in."
The changes will shift hours at each branch, including the district collection office, except Lobeco. All six will remain closed on Sundays.
Here's a look at the new schedule, by location:
Beaufort Branch Library
Monday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bluffton Branch Library
Monday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hilton Head Library
Monday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lobeco Library (No changes)
Monday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Helena Library
Monday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Beaufort District Collection
Mondays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: By appointment only
Wednesday: By appointment only
Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Follow reporter Zach Murdock on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Zach and on Facebook at facebook.com/IPBGZach.
Related content:
- Beaufort County library hours won't be cut, board decides, July 14, 2015
- Beaufort County library hours might not need to be cut after all, new director says, May 13, 2015
- Bluffton, Hilton Head libraries cooling off with new air conditioning this summer, May 7, 2015
- Beaufort County public libraries to cut hours this summer, April 27, 2015
- Beaufort County libraries could cut their hours -- again, Feb. 25, 2015
This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Beaufort County libraries to change hours in January at users' requests."