HARLINGEN — For years, many residents have wanted to use the library on Friday and Saturday mornings.
But on those days, the Harlingen Public Library didn’t open its doors until 1 p.m.
Yesterday, city commissioners approved Director Duana Campbell’s request to change some of the library’s hours.
“We want to make the library more accessible for working families,” Campbell said.
Starting Nov. 1, the library will open at 10 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Campbell said the new schedule, which adds two hours to weekly operations, will give families more time to use the library.
“Most of it is patron feedback,” Campbell said, referring to residents who’ve wanted to use the library on Friday and Saturday mornings.
So the changes won’t significantly impact her employees’ working hours and utility costs, Campbell trimmed night hours between Mondays and Thursdays.
For years, the library has operated from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on those days.
Now, it will close at 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
On Sundays, the library will continue to open at 1 p.m. and close at 5 p.m., just as it has for years.
Campbell has been listening to her patrons.
This summer, Campbell noticed patrons lining up to enter the library early Friday and Saturday afternoons.
“We had a pretty steady stream wanting to use the library,” she said.
