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Saugus Ekes Out Return to Full-Time HoursThe Saugus (Mass.) Public Library expanded its hours to 50.4 per week effective September 4, just in time to avoid repaying a $1.1-million grant to the state. Interim Library Director Ewa Jankowska, who replaced Mary Rose Quinn after she resigned unexpectedly August 9, has worked out a staffing schedule for the expanded hours, but at that rate her money will run out at the end of February, the Saugus Advertiser reported September 6. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Chair Em Claire Knowles had reminded the board in mid-August of its obligation to return the money awarded in 1997 for a new library if it didn’t return to full-time operation by Labor Day. The library has also lost its state certification, but it can be recertified in January 2009 if it keeps its current hours and if the town increases its library allocation to at least $542,638 by FY2009. A further complication is that three professional part-time employees have resigned, leaving Jankowska only five librarians and a pool of some 60 volunteers, many of whom will be helping the Friends group with fundraising efforts to keep the library open full-time past February. “I hope the people will understand we’re in a difficult position,” Jankowska told the Advertiser. “If they’re upset about waiting in line to check out a book, they need to realize we have a small staff and are doing the best we can.” Posted September 7, 2007; revised September 13, 2007. |
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