While it is on the Durango Public Library’s wish list, opening on Sundays will likely remain a dream awhile.
“To me, it doesn’t seem financially feasible,” said Library Director Sandy Irwin.
Staying open seven days a week would likely require more than $400,000 to cover additional staff and utilities, Irwin said.
The library’s annual budget is about $2 million.
The Library Advisory Board asked Irwin about the possibility because it is something the public would like to see, she said.
The exploration of expanded hours opened the door to a larger discussion about the library’s finances, and the board plans to form a standing subcommittee to look into these issues.
The new committee doesn’t have immediate goals yet, but it will be dedicated to budget issues.
Last year, the board did not address budgetary items, but it is in the bylaws to do so.
“Their role is to ensure that the library is sustainable and they are the voice of the citizens,” Irwin said.
The library is funded by sales taxes from the city and La Plata County; the funding doesn’t support change or growth.
For example, Irwin would like to return to pre-recession staffing levels, to include a circulation librarian and a two full-time library assistants.
But she doesn’t expect that to be possible next year.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
