Buncombe County libraries to restore and expand hours; libraries tied to county strategic goals
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Summary
Buncombe County library leadership said a new operating schedule approved by county management will restore and add service hours systemwide; the libraries will also support county strategic goals to boost job-resource connections and in-person program participation through new partnerships.
Buncombe County Public Library officials said the county has approved a new operating schedule that will restore pre-Helene hours and add additional service hours at every branch.
"We're coming back with more service hours per week," Jason, the library director, told the advisory group, adding the county plans to announce the schedule publicly early next week after staff are informed. He said the changes include additional evenings each week and some Monday service to improve accessibility for working residents.
The change follows a year of reduced operations after storm-related disruptions. Jason framed the schedule change as part of broader county work tied to the recently approved Buncombe County strategic plan. He said the plan sets two targets that involve the library: a 35% increase in the number of library customers connecting to employment information (roughly 1,000 patrons per year by 2030, Jason said) and an 18% increase in attendance at county-sponsored in-person programs from a 2024 baseline of 35,111 attendees.
To meet the first goal, the libraries plan to expand job-resource support and one-on-one appointment options; Jason said North Asheville manager Matt Phillips is developing a business- and entrepreneurship-focused service that will be available systemwide. The director also flagged partnerships with NCWorks and Goodwill to broaden job-search and family-centered offerings.
Community members attending the informal advisory meeting welcomed the news. "Really excited to hear about the hours coming back," one frequent user said, noting confusion caused by the previous reduced schedule.
Next steps: library staff will receive the new operating schedule first, and the county’s public announcement is expected early next week. The advisory board discussed follow-up coordination, including using upcoming meetings to review policy and procedures relevant to representing the library in advocacy and budget conversations.