The Library was asked to identify approximately 5 percent in cuts — about $2.8 million. The Library's proposed cuts in branch operating hours will save about $1.2 million. The plan offers a balance of consistency and access to facilities in all parts of the city.
Key elements include:
- Operate the Central Library and five geographically distributed branches (Douglass-Truth, Lake City, Ballard, Rainier Beach and Southwest) seven days a week. Each location would provide 62 hours a week of public service.
The operating schedule would be:
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
- The 21 other facilities would operate five days a week. These locations would be open 35 hours a week, seven hours a day. These branches would be closed Friday and Sunday.
The operating schedule would be:
Monday, Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CLOSED FRIDAY
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY
- End of list
The Library selected the seven-day-a-week branches to ensure full Library service is available seven days a week citywide. These branches are among the largest, are served by public transit, have large meeting rooms and a significant number of public computers, and have work areas capable of handling more books and other items. Most also have on-site parking.
Early estimates show the reduced hours may result in the loss of approximately 27 positions, or the equivalent of 18.8 regular full-time employees. In recent months, the Library has temporarily filled open regular positions to try to mitigate the impact and avoid layoffs.
Expected earnings of each Library employee will be cut approximately 1.9 percent due to the one-week closure.
