County library system proposes cutting hours

The Sonoma County Library Commission is meeting to discuss proposed cuts to county library hours at 7 p.m. Monday, April 4 at the Central Library in Santa Rosa, 211 E St.

The new hours will are scheduled to go in effect beginning Aug. 1 and will mean all libraries in Sonoma County will only be open three mornings a week, two nights a week and will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

"It's a decision based simply on economics," said Doug Cisney, Petaluma Library branch manager. "There just isn't the tax revenue there once was. The one benefit of the cuts is going to be more staff will be available when we are open. It will mean we're not so short staffed, so there is a benefit."

Petaluma Library hours are currently 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The proposed hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"It's still too early to tell how all this will really affect library programs," said Cisney. "Our hope is not to cut the children's programs and continue having school visits, which are very important. We have already cut back on some adult programming, but don't think we'll need to cut back any more on those. We'll have to see what the audience justifies having; some of the adult programs have low attendance."

The library commission meeting is open to patrons who wish to express concerns about the changes. Those unable to attend, may voice concerns in writing to the Sonoma County Library Commission, 211 E St., Santa Rosa 95404.