Chicago Public Library To Re-Open Libraries On Monday Mornings

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 16, 2012 8:50PM

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon announced today a "flexible staff scheduling" plan that, once implemented, will allow libraries to re-open on Monday mornings in time for the new school year.

Emanuel's 2012 city budget called for significant cuts to the library system that were opposed by librarians, residents and 28 aldermen. CPL made the decision to close libraries on Mondays in January while negotiations were still ongoing over labor concessions, with the caveat they would hopefully be restored.

Emanuel said in a statement.

“By taking a new and creative approach to staff libraries, not only will young children, parents and adults be able to take advantage of services and resources that our community libraries offer for 8-hours on Mondays, we have an opportunity to broaden the array of services we offer. We are not only re-establishing Monday morning hours during the school year, we are honoring the promise that the Library offers to the children and adults who depend on it.”

Bannon said the new, more flexible model will use full- and part-time staff to fill vacant positions caused by attrition and retirements to target libraries based on user demand.