Redwood City Expanding Hours at Two Local Libraries

The following is an announcement from the city of Redwood City:

The City of Redwood City announced today the expansion of hours at two local library branches as a result of a stronger city budget outlook and increased funding approved earlier this year. Beginning November 1, the Schaberg Branch and Fair Oaks Branch of the Redwood City Public Library will be extending their hours and adding another day for the public to access each branch.

“Over 90% of City of Redwood City residents in a recent City Satisfaction Survey rated the Redwood City Public Library services as excellent or good, reinforcing that library programs and services are an important aspect of our community,” said Melissa Stevenson Diaz, city manager of Redwood City. “The restoration of library hours is a testament to an improved economy and strong budget outlook this fiscal year. The City Council members were strong stewards managing the budget during the worst recession the city has faced and now the City of Redwood City is able to expand and restore a number of important city services reduced in past years.”

The Schaberg Branch will expand from 20 hours per week on four days per week to 43 hours on five days, adding Monday service from 10 a.m. -7 p.m. and extending hours earlier and later during the rest of the week. The expanded morning hours at Schaberg are designed to improve access for seniors, while the later evenings and weekend hours increase access for students and working families. The Fair Oaks Branch will expand from 43 hours to 50 hours per week by adding Saturday service from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The expanded hours at Fair Oaks Branch are designed to support students and working families; morning hours will stay the same to accommodate seniors.

New Library Hours include:
Schaberg New Hours
Monday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

Fair Oaks New Hours
Monday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

In addition to expanded hours, the Library’s online services are growing as well, making more of the library collections accessible 24/7. The Library checked out over 57,000 eBooks last year, a 34% increase from the previous year. In addition to loaning library books and movies, the City of Redwood City Public Library offers literacy programs, events, story time, resources for parents and teachers, homework help, study and meeting rooms and computer labs at each branch library. Last week, the Downtown Library reopened its expanded “Baby Bay” Early Childhood Literacy Center, an area of the library focused on its youngest learners.

Respondents to Redwood City’s recent city satisfaction survey highlighted hours as the aspect of library service most in need of improvement. These changes respond to that community feedback.

(Image via Shutterstock)