Keeping the library open longer

[florida girl]

In our current economic situation, you would think that our citizens would be given some kind of chance to better themselves toward better jobs, ie certificates, diploma's, etc., hopefully attracting better industries providing those better jobs and better benefits. Keeping the library open for those who actually work to be able to stop by and use computers for online education would be a possible remedy. Much is available online now that wasn't even a year ago. The new OW branch as I understand will utilize the current library when it opens probably a couple of years from now. Something needs to be done to help our citizens be able to survive in todays world.

 

[scooterbug44]

I am sure the library would be willing to stay open later if there was a demonstrated need, but continuing ed classes are probably better suited to a classroom environment (like the nearby school).

As it is, the library is open from 10-6 M, and 9-5 Tues-Sat, is never crowded, and the bulk of the internet usage seems to be email/social networking, not job seekers or diploma programs. :roll:

 

[Miss Critter]

I was there a few days ago, and they are short-staffed. They told me they've had a part-time position open for several weeks that the county has yet to fill, and not for lack of applicants. They were relying on volunteer help. And each of the times I've been there over the past few weeks, the computers were being used.

 

[NightAngel]

I am sure the library would be willing to stay open later if there was a demonstrated need, but continuing ed classes are probably better suited to a classroom environment (like the nearby school).

As it is, the library is open from 10-6 M, and 9-5 Tues-Sat, is never crowded, and the bulk of the internet usage seems to be email/social networking, not job seekers or diploma programs. :roll:

Just curious, how do you know what people were using the internet for? My son had been looking for somewhere to use the internet while his computer was in the shop but the library is closed by the time he gets off of work.

 

[Smiling JOe]

From what I've seen, most of the adults at the South Walton Library, tend to be checking email. It's not like you cannot see it when walking past to check out a book, if you are the least bit observant.

That said, after living in towns with nice public libraries opened 'til 8 or 10 pm, and college libraries opened 'til midnight, I do think it is crazy that the SoWal library closes at 5pm most days. Freeport opens at 10a and closes at 6pm, which is a little more helpful for working people, but if it takes you 20 minutes to drive there after leaving work at 5pm, you basically have twenty minutes of usage before the lights begin to blink, signaling that it is time to start packing up your belongings -- and that is if if don't have to wait for a computer.

I see plenty of people in the libraries at all times of opening. If budgets are an issue, and I'm sure they are, I'd like to see the hours more staggard around working hours, maybe opening from 12p-8pm on a few days a week. I'm a heavy user of our local libraries, and have always felt they closed too early.

 

[florida girl]

The online studies are relatively new, and have increased quickly. I think some public info of what's available, and how to access it would be a good idea. Not everyone has a computer, nor know how to use it.

 

[NightAngel]

From what I've seen, most of the adults at the South Walton Library, tend to be checking email. It's not like you cannot see it when walking past to check out a book, if you are the least bit observant.

That said, after living in towns with nice public libraries opened 'til 8 or 10 pm, and college libraries opened 'til midnight, I do think it is crazy that the SoWal library closes at 5pm most days. Freeport opens at 10a and closes at 6pm, which is a little more helpful for working people, but if it takes you 20 minutes to drive there after leaving work at 5pm, you basically have twenty minutes of usage before the lights begin to blink, signaling that it is time to start packing up your belongings -- and that is if if don't have to wait for a computer.

I see plenty of people in the libraries at all times of opening. If budgets are an issue, and I'm sure they are, I'd like to see the hours more staggard around working hours, maybe opening from 12p-8pm on a few days a week. I'm a heavy user of our local libraries, and have always felt they closed too early.

Well, I consider myself an observant person but I don't look at other peoples computer screens when I walk by. My daughter homeschools through an online school and I take her there to do research and use the computers for her school work at times when she has a research project. and while she does her school work, I do my work online. So that said, my personal experience is that we, my family, has always used the computers at the library for things other than social/email, we do that at home.

 

[Smiling JOe]

NightAngel, there are plenty of people who use the library computers for things other than email. It is a great resource for many people. By the way, email can be work related, too. It isn't all social. I'd say that 80-85% of my emails sending and receiving is business related.

 

[North Lake]

SJ,

The hours of operation have been set based on prior usage, experimentation, and survey of patrons. It has been open longer at times in the past, but the folks just didn't come. I'll see if Dan and Katie can try again for the later hours, at least matching Freeport.

It is partially a budget issue as well. There is an unfilled part-time position at Coastal Branch that HR is not filling until we get through the budget process...as they're doing with all vacant positions in the county right now.

 

[florida girl]

In my discussions with local elders, the high school students don't pursue advanced studies, because there aren't the jobs available that warrant it. As I understand, some industries don't come in because the work force isn't prepared for them, along with a whole lot of other hurdles to jump. If somehow a negotiation could be done with a prospective company and high school students, perhaps we could change the course.