The Bryan Bennett Library is changing hours effective Wednesday, December first.
Librarian Kim Keller says the library will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Friday and Saturday hours of operation, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., will not change.
Prior to the pandemic-related shutdown in March 2020, the Library was open 46 hours each week: nine hours each Monday through Thursday, and five hours each on Friday and Saturday. When the Library reopened in June 2020, its hours were abbreviated to provide extra time outside of service hours for cleaning and to prepare the staff to handle any shortages caused by the pandemic.
The Library Board has decided that the facility and staff are ready to operate at full speed. However, observing the foot traffic patterns pre-pandemic, the Library Board has changed the hours to better accommodate patrons. Thus, the facility is opening an hour earlier in the day. Keller says that foot traffic in the library is still down from pre-COVID times.
However, the use of eBooks has continued to grow and are a good option for some. Keller says the eBooks are available to any Salem resident with a library card. A pin number is required and can be obtained by coming to the library.
Keller notes there is some frustration with getting the audio and eBooks because their availability is shared with library patrons across the state. Keller has also announced the Apollo exhibit will remain at the library an additional two weeks to December 13th. More than 300 have already viewed the exhibit that includes an astronaut suit and a large scale replica of the spaceship. There is no charge to view the exhibit.
Keller hears Santa is planning a visit to the library on December 11th from ten to noon when a number of special activities are being scheduled. Watch for more details closer to the event. For more information, contact the Library at 548-3006 or stop by the Library at 315 South Maple.
