The Delaware County District Library (DCDL) Board of Trustees voted to implement new operating hours for the library system at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, all branches of the Delaware County District Library system will move to the following operating hours:
Delaware and Orange branch libraries
• Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Currently 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
• Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Currently 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Closed Sunday (Currently Closed Sunday)
Ostrander and Powell branch libraries
• Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Currently 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
• Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Currently 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Closed Sunday – Monday (Currently Powell is open Monday)
When the Liberty Branch Library opens in 2023, it will reflect the new Delaware and Orange branch operational schedule.
“The proposed change was brought to the trustees’ consideration based on several points,” said DCDL Director Bryan Howard. “Like much of the rest of the country, the library is facing some of the same staffing issues due to illness, vacation, or general unavailability when it comes to covering shifts – especially those in the evenings and on weekends. We analyzed the public’s use of the library through door counts, reference desk statistics, checkouts, and overall patron usage of the library and used our findings to direct tonight’s proposal.”
Heat mapping indicated that the library saw the least amount of activity from patrons in both checkouts and individuals walking through the front doors during the first and last hours of the operating day.
“Our year-to-date circulation totals are up across the board at all locations,” said Howard. “However, the places where we’ve seen incredible growth and interest are in our digital collections. We may not see all of our patrons’ faces in the branch, but we know they’re using our services from the comfort of their own homes on their own time.”
Circulation statistics indicate that eBook checkouts have increased by 21% compared to November 2021; Hoopla (eBooks, audiobooks, and music) checkouts have increased by 23%; and Kanopy (streaming video) has increased in popularity by 52%.
Additionally, once the Liberty Branch Library opens, the Powell Branch Library will function as a quick-stop location for community members to browse and borrow materials, use computers and the internet, study and read. The branch’s new schedule will allow it to continue to serve the community while still providing the customer service that DCDL cardholders have come to recognize as a trademark of the system.
“The changes in hours give us the opportunity to make sure that we are offering the highest quality service to our patrons while maintaining a library location in beautiful downtown Powell,” said Deputy Director Molly Meyers LaBadie.
Other topics during the December regular meeting of the Board of Trustees included a presentation from Jeffrey Sackenheim, SHP architects, regarding the construction on the Liberty Branch Library and a change order; approval of the 2023 temporary budget; and the approval of a three percent cost of living salary increase for staff to begin in 2023.
Trustee Ceena Dinovo was thanked for her service and commitment to the Board of Trustees. Her term will conclude on Dec. 31.
The Delaware County District Library currently has 80,900 cardholders and serves the greater population of Delaware County, including those living in Delaware City, Buckeye Valley, and Olentangy Local school districts.
Delaware Library Mission Statement: The Delaware County District Library serves as the public information provider for our community, using traditional and innovative technology to encourage curiosity, free inquiry, and lifelong learning in a friendly environment.
