Following a six-month pilot period, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to extend the library’s weekend hours, remaining open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and opening the library an hour earlier, at 11 a.m., on Sundays. During the library’s extended hours pilot program, staff observed strong use of the library during the six additional hours of weekend service.
The pilot program was based upon a recent survey of library customers which indicated many residents wished the library offered more hours on the weekends. An extensive study of customer use during the pilot program confirmed these survey results. For example, use of the Studio saw a 67 percent increase in weekend reservations. On average, 165 customers visited the library per hour during the pilot program, using the library during hours the library previously would have not been open.
"These expanded hours stem from the fact that people's lives are busier than ever, and we want to make it as convenient as possible for them to visit the library," said Executive Director Jason Kuhl. “We saw strong use of the library in all areas and are happy to continue this customer service going forward.”
The library’s new hours, effective immediately, are:
Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
The cost for the library’s extended hours will be managed within the library’s currently approved budget.