StarBulletin.com

Budget concerns force libraries to reduce hours


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POSTED: Friday, September 11, 2009

Two more Neighbor Island public libraries are adjusting or cutting hours because of budget cutbacks and staff shortages, according to a news release.

The Kapaa Public Library on Kauai will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays starting next Tuesday through the end of the month. Normal hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

On the Big Island, the Laupahoehoe Public and School Library will close at 12:30 p.m. today instead of at 4 p.m. and will open at 1 p.m. Sept. 30 instead of at 9 a.m.

State Librarian Richard Burns has warned that hours at libraries statewide may have to be adjusted if staffing falls below minimum levels. Burns has said there is not enough money to hire temporary workers to keep libraries open.

The Lahaina Library will close starting tomorrow through Sept. 21 while a staff member is on vacation.