Butte County Library to expand hours at all six branches this fall

County Supervisors approve budget expansions for additional staff

On Tuesday, June 26, the Butte County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a budget increase of $194,914 to increase staffing and extend hours at all six Butte County Library locations.

Library staff is putting the finishing touches on the specific plans for hours expansions. A new hours plan will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for approval in August. Depending on the length of the hiring process for new staff, the expanded hours should begin no later than October 2007.

Highlights of the Library’s new hours are anticipated to include:

·      The addition of Sunday hours to provide seven day service at the Chico Branch (25 hours per week are supported by the City of Chico)

·      The addition of Monday hours to provide six open days per week at the Oroville and Paradise Branches

·      Longer days of service at the Gridley Branch

·      Doubling the current hours at Durham and Biggs Branches

In addition to its new hours, the Gridley Branch will add a librarian with a master’s degree to its staff to provide enhanced customer service, supervision, planning, and coordination with the rest of the Butte County Library system. The new librarian will also oversee the Durham and Biggs Branches.