Carnegie Library Has Expanded Hours

Carnegie now open Saturdays year round and Wednesday mornings.

The Carnegie Library hours have extended this hours permanently starting this week.  According to Library Director Linda Hickman, "Many library users have asked over the years if we could remain open on Saturdays year round."  The library had been closed on Saturdays Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend.  Last year, the Library Trustees and the Director created a new five year long range plan for the Montague Public Libraries.  As part of the process, they asked library users and other Montague residents to fill out a customer evaluation survey.  Many library users asked for additional morning hours as well as summer Saturday hours. 

    Hickman selected Wednesday mornings to open early because there was already a children's program happening weekly on that day.   Therefore only a small amount of additional staff time was required to stay open after the program until the usual opening time of 1 p.m.  The Selectmen and Finance Committee approved Hickman' request for a very  modest increase in staff hours and the library budget was approved at the annual Montague Town Meeting. 

    Hickman said that even with little publicity, the first Wednesday opening, July 6th, saw many library regulars.  The new hours are 10 a.m. - 8. p.m.  The first Saturday summer opening is July 9th, and the Carnegie Library will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  To celebrate, The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries are holding a Used Book Sale, with all books priced at $3 a bag. For more information, call the library, 863-3214.