Besore, other local libraries to reduce hours of operation

Effective Jan. 4, all of Franklin County Library System's libraries, including the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library in Greencastle, will be forced to further reduce weekly hours of operation, according to a news release. It said that due to the loss of state aid to public libraries, seven libraries must close an additional total of 19 hours per week.  

Besore will be reducing its operation by four hours a week and will affect Mondays when the hours will be 1 to 8 p.m.

“We held out as long as we could,” said Bernice Crouse, Library System executive director. “Staff members were stretched to the ultimate in 2010 trying to maintain the majority of library operation schedules. The additional staff cuts necessary just would not allow normal hours of operation.

Besore’s hours are now as follows: Sunday — closed; Monday — 1 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Staff hours have been cut by 300 hours from the 2009 to 2011, reflecting a $250,000 loss annually in state revenue. The release said the changes are necessary to remain fiscally responsible and are intended to impact patrons as minimally as possible.

Coyle Free Library and the Grove Family Library, both in Chambersburg, had ihours reduced by three hours a week each. The St. Thomas Library hours were reduced by four hours a week and the Fort Loudon Community Library was cut by two hours a week. Experienceing one hour per week cutback are Alexander Hamilton Library in Waynesboro and the Blue Ridge Summit Free Library.

Holiday library closures include Friday, Dec. 31, Saturday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 3.