Nevada County libraries to stay open longer
ariquelmy@theunion.com
Patrons of Nevada County’s libraries should see increased operating hours at its branches starting this September, with more changes to follow.
Community surveys issued last year set the stage for the system’s key priorities — increasing operating hours, more children’s programs and access to technology. Measure A, a sales tax passed in November by county voters, will enable the library to achieve those goals.
Increased hours will be one of the first changes, though the schedule isn’t yet finalized. The Madelyn Helling, Grass Valley and Truckee libraries will open at 10 a.m. and remain open until at least 6 p.m. during the week. They’ll stay open until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Additionally, the Grass Valley library will open on Mondays, County Librarian Laura Pappani said.
“Some of the details might shift a bit once we sit down and decide what the schedule will be,” she added.
Other improvements include increased online access from off-site and an online streaming service with TV shows, movies and e-books.
Upgraded public computers also are slated for September. Library officials have planned for new machines, but had no funding until Measure A’s passage, Pappani said.
Officials want the library’s mobile technology center in rotation by January.
The mobile center is a computer-equipped van. Pappani wants it to travel the county and visit areas like Truckee, which doesn’t have a computer lab like the Madelyn Helling Library.
Self check-out machines are slated for an April installation at the Truckee library.
“There’s so much going on,” Pappani said. “There’s so many moving parts.”
Other improvements include increased online access from off-site and an online streaming service with TV shows, movies and e-books.
The Nevada County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 23, approved a strategic plan for the library after hearing from Pappani. The county librarian will return to the board in July for approval of a revised budget that reflects the increased expenses.
“This is so wonderful,” Supervisor Heidi Hall said at Tuesday’s supervisors meeting. “This plan is so comprehensive.”
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