“I think it’s clear the current branch system is not sustainable,” said County Solicitor John Onorato. “We have too many branches open too few hours.”
The six branches have been cut to 38 hours a week; beginning January 1, hours will be further reduced to 31.5, with no Saturday hours. The new plan would mean 54 hours of service per week at a cost of only $30,000 more per year, explained Library Director Margaret Stewart, and would also restore Saturday hours.
“There is nothing that I would like better than to have a branch on every corner,” Stewart said. “The reality of it is . . . we need to move on. We can have three great regional branches instead of six substandard branches.”
Although groups have not yet voted on the proposed plan, it drew favorable reactions from the library advisory board, Friends, and foundation, as well as the Erie County Council, according to the Times-News.
Posted December 8, 2003.