A change in foot traffic and a desire to better serve its vulnerable senior citizen patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic led the Garland County Library to implement new hours of operation starting Nov. 8.
The new hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
"We always see a big rush of people around 5 o'clock, and we've always assumed that's people coming home from work, and wanting to pick up their holds, or grab a few things, so extending the hours until 6 o'clock will give those people an opportunity to still come in and grab their holds and stuff," Library Director Adam Webb said.
"Additionally, we're opening an hour earlier Monday through Friday," he said. "We see a lot of folks waiting for us in the morning to open up, and we're assuming that has to do with most of the retailers in town, particularly the bigger ones like Walmart and what have ya, having those early morning hours for seniors.
"So we're hoping that we can have those early morning hours that fit in with kind of what everybody else is doing. Being a public institution, we can't really say we're for seniors only, but that's part of the thinking there.
"If we're open earlier in the morning, then some of our more vulnerable patrons can come in and used the library during those early hours where maybe there aren't going to be as many people in the building at that time, so it might make for a safer place for them to come, or safer time anyway," he said.
According to a news release, the new hours will continue through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and, depending on numerous factors, may continue indefinitely beyond that.
"We try to have a little bit of something for everybody," Webb said. "For those folks who aren't getting out and about and are still hunkering down at home, we have expanded our electronic offerings, so if you've never tried e-books or anything like that, now's a great time to do it; we've got more than we've ever had before.
"But additionally, if you still like to check out a paper book, or want to check out some DVDs or Blu-rays, we've got a great selection of those too, and they'll keep you sane and occupied and entertained during all of these difficult times."
The library will continue to evaluate all practices and procedures to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the community, the release said.
"Input is always welcome and encouraged," it said. "Patrons can email the library at [email protected] or visit www.gclibrary.com/feedback to leave comments."
For more information about virtual programming, online databases, curbside pickup, or home delivery for those that live in or near Hot Springs Village, and more, contact the library at 501-623-4161 or visit www.gclibrary.com for access to online catalog, accounts, and e-materials.
The library is located at 1427 Malvern Ave. and is free for public use.