By Staff
September 12th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library (BPL) is extending its hours. This change takes effect Monday September 12th.
Since 2018, BPL has been able to extend its open hours by nearly 20 per cent.
Some branches, including New Appleby and Aldershot, have seen a 60 per cent increase in open hours since 2018.
Hours have increased – readership as well?
Where and When You Can Visit Starting September 12
Central and Tansley Woods
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
New Appleby, Aldershot, Brant Hills, Alton
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Noon to 5pm
Kilbride
Tuesday & Thursday: 5pm to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 2pm
Burlington Librarian CEO, Lita Barrie.
This change happened because of feedback from our customers. “After receiving customer feedback about a need for increased branch access, included this goal in our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan,” says CEO, Lita Barrie. “We have been gradually increasing service hours since then. Our 2020 and 2022 customer surveys reaffirmed this direction.”
These moderate increases to service hours have not increased the library’s staffing budget, but they have made the library accessible to more people with diverse needs and schedules, and expanded access to BPL’s collection, programs, and spaces.
Customer Feedback and Data Driven Decisions
“We have had great feedback so far about our expanded hours,” adds Barrie. “We are keeping a close eye on our community’s needs by analyzing usage data.”
Weeknight usage from Monday to Thursday significantly increased this spring—192 per cent—during the library’s closing hour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Borrowing also went up during this period.
This data helped BPL decide how to adjust its open hours to best serve the community.
Library users also told BPL they would like 24/7 access to WiFi so they could use the internet outside branches or in their vehicles during closed hours. This change will also take effect September 12th.
Library Use is the Best Feedback
The library is always looking for feedback. You can share your opinion simply by using your local branch. “We monitor activity at all our locations to help guide decisions about many things, including open hours,” says Barrie. When you visit the library, you are helping us understand trends and needs in our community.
