County Libraries Reduce Hours Amid Budget Cuts
COLUSA, Calif. — The Colusa County Free Library will reduce public service hours at all branch locations beginning Monday, Nov. 3, due to budget cuts and staffing reductions approved in the county’s adopted budget.
County Librarian Stacy Costello told the Board of Supervisors last week that the library now operates with seven staff members serving seven branches, down from 14 last year. The decrease has resulted in a 42-hour weekly reduction in total open hours across the system.
“We are working hard to continue serving all seven communities,” Costello said. “However, the revised schedules are intended to align available staffing with branch operations in a way that is both manageable and consistent.”
Starting in November, hours will be:
Colusa, Monday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday noon to 8 p.m., and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Arbuckle, Monday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday noon to 5 p.m.;
Grimes, Thursday 2:30 to 5 p.m.; Maxwell, Tuesday noon to 6 p.m.;
Princeton, Wednesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
Stonyford, Wednesday and Thursday 1 to 5 p.m.; and
Williams, Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 6 p.m., and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Costello said the changes are intended to maintain stable operations with fewer staff. She cautioned that temporary branch closures could occur if unplanned absences arise. To help keep residents informed, the library will post updates on its Facebook page and at each branch, and patrons may call local branches for the most current information.
To ease the workload on remaining staff, interlibrary loan services will be temporarily paused. Costello said most patrons already use the Zip Books program, a statewide service that allows residents to request books or audiobooks not owned by their local library. Requested items are shipped directly to the patron’s home, and once returned, become part of the county’s permanent collection.
Library staff plan to review the new schedule in early January to assess its impact and determine if further adjustments are needed.
Costello thanked the public for its patience as the department adjusts to the reduced budget. “We remain committed to providing quality service to our communities,” she said.