Funding Approved to Open Library 5 Days a Week

The public library will be open five days a week beginning next month, thanks to additional funding for the county library system.

The county Board of Supervisors last month approved a $21.4-million budget for the 26-library system, an increase of $2.3 million from the previous year.

Stanton’s only library will get a $67,000 budget boost, increasing the annual budget to $204,000.

Council members previously spent reserve funds to extend library service from three to four days a week. Under the plan approved Tuesday by the City Council, the library will be open Monday through Thursday, and Saturdays. Library hours also will increase, from 26 to 39 hours a week.

Councilman Harry M. Dotson, the city’s liaison to the county Library Advisory Board, said he expects additional funding for books and other materials.

All of the county-operated libraries will be open at least five days a week for the first time in a decade, County Librarian John M. Adams said. “We certainly are hopeful it’s going to last. The county CEO and the Board of Supervisors have shown their concern for the importance of libraries. All the players are holding hands.”

Beginning Aug. 2, the Stanton library, on Katella Avenue across from City Hall, will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.