Days of Service at L.A. Libraries Could go from 6 to 5 Days a Week

Budget cuts already forced the hands of Los Angeles' system of 83 libraries earlier this year by shortening hours, slashing staff and offering one less day of service. Now, facing even more cuts within the upcoming budget cycle that begins in July, the Board of Library Commissioners are scheduled to vote (.pdf) on a proposal today that would mean libraries would be closed yet another day, bringing them to be open a total of five days a week.

Under the proposal, Central Library would close on Mondays and have a set schedule of Tuesdays through Saturdays. The other 82 libraries will be paired so that adjacent neighborhoods will still have a "sixth day" by flip flopping schedules and having staff rotate. That would guarantee two service nights at each branch. Friday morning service would also be restored because the new budget exempts library employees from furloughs.

If approved, the new schedule would go into effect on July 6th. Today's meeting is at 11 a.m.