Jacksonville, FL — All of Jacksonville’s public libraries are now open at least six days a week, as a financial boost in the City budget takes hold.
WOKV reported last year that
[ Jacksonville Public Library received funding to expand hours ]
at nine branch locations. That funding came through clearance to hire 13 new staff members to support the expansion.
IN DEPTH: Jacksonville's $1.2 billion budget
In reviewing their schedules, peak usage times, and related areas, JPL says they were able to find efficiencies, like reducing staff overlap. Through those efficiencies, they realized they could not only add days for nine branch locations- as initially planned- but also boost hours for the four regional libraries.
That expansion formally went in to effect over the weekend, meaning this is the first Monday that the Argyle, Beaches, Murray Hill, San Marco, South Mandarin, West, and Willowbranch branches are open. The Mandarin and Maxville branches added Fridays to their schedule. This means all 16 branch libraries are now open Monday and Tuesday from noon through 8PM, and Wednesday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM. They are closed on Sundays.
The four regional libraries- Highlands, Pablo Creek, Southeast, and Charles Webb Wesconnett- were already open seven days a week, but now have expanded hours. They are now open Monday through Thursday from 10AM through 9PM, Friday and Saturday from 10AM through 6PM, and Sunday from 1PM through 5PM.
In addition to the expanded hours, JPL has also streamlined the hours that the facilities are open, in an attempt to make access easier for you.
JPL says they have hired or are in the process of hiring most of the 13 positions they were allocated.