Volunteers to Expand Library’s Hours, Days

Faced with reduced operating hours and a possible shutdown, volunteers at the El Rio library have agreed to take shifts behind the desk, more than doubling the hours the small branch can remain open.

With the help of 20 volunteers, the Albert H. Soliz El Rio Library will open its doors an additional 23 hours a week. Each volunteer has committed to working 16 hours every month, with volunteers rotating work every four months.

The library, formerly open Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m., will now be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. It will be the only library in the county open on Fridays.

The El Rio branch is one of several small libraries threatened with closure because of state budget cuts that have forced reductions in staff and hours across the Ventura County library system. Last month, the county agreed to extend its funding until June, but its future beyond the new year is uncertain, said County Supervisor John Flynn.

“We don’t know what is going to happen to the libraries next year,” Flynn said. “I wanted to make sure we provided a bridge in the interim to keep the library open with longer hours.”

Volunteers Pat Germann is glad to help out.

“I’ve always loved libraries,” said Germann. “I’ve always wanted to volunteer for a library. Not only will I be volunteering but I will be learning at the same time.”

On Wednesday, a group of second-graders from El Rio Elementary School were at the library to celebrate its new hours.

One student, 7-year-old Michaela Nace, said she was very happy with the news. “I like to read books and I like the pictures,” said Nace.

Flynn, whose field office in the same building will coordinate volunteer efforts, said that this serves as an example of the difference a few individuals can make.

“The libraries are vital to the development of our communities,” Flynn said in a written statement. “Our youth are in desperate need of places to go and I know this will help.”