The Board of Trustees of Rockford Public Library voted yesterday that reduced hours at two library branches will take effect November 15th and increased fines for books, magazines and DVDs will take effect starting January 1st. Both decisions are part of an overall plan to address what RPL estimates is a $1.7 million budget shortfall in 2010.
Starting November 15th, the Rock River Branch, located at 3128 11th St. will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon – 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The East Branch, at 6685 E. State St. will reduce Sunday hours from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day. A hiring freeze has created staffing shortages, and the reduction of hours will help address operational issues at both locations. Further reductions of hours at other Rockford Public Library locations are expected.
The Board also voted to increase fines on the late return of materials. Book and magazine fines will increase from $.10 per day to $.15 per day and DVDs and other AV materials will increase from $.50 per day to $1.00 per day. The increase in fines will be effective January 1st, 2010.
The Board is expected to make a final decision on budget cuts for 2010 at a special meeting on November 16th.
About the Library
The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.
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