Press release from Buncombe County:
Starting on Saturday, Jan. 25, Swannanoa Library will reopen, but due to storm-related budgetary impacts, all Buncombe County Public Libraries will shift to a modified schedule. Highest use locations will remain on their current schedule, with other locations reducing their operating schedule by one or two days per week. This modification to library hours is necessitated by current staffing shortfalls and predicted budgetary restrictions across the County.
“Despite unprecedented challenges facing Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, we are still able to operate all 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries with a partially modified schedule,” says Library Director Jason Hyatt. “We have heard from our community that they want our libraries to maintain their current footprint, and this schedule was developed with staff input and data. We would obviously prefer to expand offerings, but we have prioritized our patrons while allowing opportunity for library staff to focus on core departmental functions such as youth services, program planning, community outreach, and collection development.”
Facing reduced revenues, a hiring freeze for vacant positions has been implemented across all Buncombe County departments (excluding first responders). The new operating schedule accommodates current staffing, vacancies and future turnover, and equitably distributes library services across Buncombe County. Each branch will maintain dedicated youth services and early literacy programming.
“As Buncombe County shifts priorities from emergency response to recovery, it is vitally important to maintain our cultural assets while balancing fiscal responsibility,” says Assistant County Manager Tim Love. “While we don’t have a projected timeframe for this new schedule, this is not intended to be a permanent change to operations but will help us get through this period of budget and staffing strain.”
This scheduling change will be done with as little impact to staff as possible. The shift involves two permanent transfers, and on closed days, staff at locations with a reduced schedule will have secondary assignments at other locations. All staff will retain current scheduled hours and compensation.
Schedule for Buncombe County Public Libraries effective Jan. 25.
As a reminder, the digital library is open 24-7.
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