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Youngtown council asks staff to study expanding library hours to 40 a week; no vote taken
Summary
Council discussed expanding library hours from 24 to 40 per week, promoting a part‑time employee to full time, and hiring another full-time position. Council requested staff research staffing, hours (including possible Saturdays) and costs and return with recommendations.
The Youngtown Common Council discussed on Feb. 19 a staff proposal to expand library hours and staffing, but took no formal action.
Town Manager Brian Stutsman and Library Manager Mary Vass outlined a plan to expand the library from 24 to 40 hours per week, which would include promoting a part-time employee (Elizabeth) to full time and hiring another full-time staff member. Options discussed included an 8 a.m.–4 p.m. or 10 a.m.–6 p.m. weekday schedule and potentially adding Saturday hours; staff flagged scheduling complexities and the need to ensure adequate coverage.
Councilmembers cited access issues for working families and asked for polling or usage statistics. Councilmember Kathryn French and others supported a 10 a.m.–6 p.m. model to accommodate dual-income households; Councilmember Jodi Kaczynski encouraged evening programs for children. A resident caller, Melissa, asked the council to consider opening on Saturdays to better serve families.
Mayor LeVault said the discussion was for direction only; staff were asked to research community demand, historical attendance data and budget impacts and return with a recommendation at a future meeting.
