Region's libraries maintain varying Sunday schedules
12/28/2002The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system may be one of the only big systems in the state to cut Sunday hours, but it has company nearby.
Perrysburg's Way Public Library in Wood County, which is not part of a larger library system, recently cut its Sunday hours.
Sunday hours were cut in the fall because of reduced state funding, director Nancy Kelley said. The library also started charging groups a fee to use its meeting rooms.
The library, which is supported almost entirely by state funds, was never open on Sundays in the summer, but it used to be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays during the rest of the year.
“It's a shame. The families really miss those Sunday hours,” Mrs. Kelley said. “But it is one thing we can do to save money.”
The library's annual budget is about $1.4 million. It cost about $800 to stay open each Sunday. The library was open about 40 Sundays a year.
If someone wants to go to a library on Sunday, there are a few options.
The Wood County Public Library system has maintained its Sunday hours.
“For me, it is a service consideration,” said Elaine Paulette, director of the Wood County Public Library system. “The public has indicated to us it is a good time to use the library. They vote with their feet. Especially in today's world when parents are working and juggling tight schedules, we don't want to lose their support.”
In Fulton County, half of the six public libraries have seasonal Sunday hours.
Archbold Community Library and Swanton and Wauseon public libraries are open Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. October through April. Delta Public Library, Evergreen Community Library in Metamora, and Normal Memorial Library in Fayette never have had Sunday hours.
In Ottawa County, the Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton continues to offer Sunday hours from 1 to 4 p.m. in January, February, and March. The Oak Harbor Public Library is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays except in summer.
The county's three other libraries - Elmore, Genoa, and Erie Islands (Put-in-Bay) are closed on Sundays.
Monroe County's libraries are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays during the school year.
Blade staff writers Rachel Zinn, Ryan E. Smith, Larry P. Vellequette, Jane Schmucker, and Steve Murphy contributed to this report.