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Council shortens library weeknight hours to 8 p.m.; asks board to revisit summer Saturday options after renovations
Summary
St. Clair Shores City Council approved changing library hours from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Thursday starting June 2 to free staff for programming and renovation prep; council asked the library board to study possible summer Saturday hours and return recommendations after the renovation.
St. Clair Shores City Council voted to change the public library’s weekday closing time from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m., effective June 2, citing two years of usage data that showed low patronage during the final hour.
Library Director Stephanie Fair told the council the library’s hourly walkthroughs and checkout statistics showed an average of only four to seven patrons between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the period reviewed. Fair said the change will allow staff to reallocate hours into higher-traffic times and provide better service during peak hours while the library prepares for a planned renovation.
Councilwoman Rusey moved to approve the revised hours with a proviso that the council revisit hours after the renovation and that the library board study possible Saturday hours for the Memorial Day–Labor Day summer period; Councilman Rubello seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
During debate council members asked that the library board return with recommendations about reallocating staff hours and whether some of the saved weekday hours could be used to open half days on selected summer Saturdays to increase access for residents who cannot visit on weekdays.
The council’s action is time-limited only in the sense that staff will implement the new schedule beginning June 2; council asked to review the decision after renovation work is under way or completed.
