By James Beaty
Beginning next week, patrons of the McAlester Public Library can browse the shelves, check out books, CDs and DVDs, or can use the library’s computers seven days a week.
Yep, the library will soon be open on Sundays.
“Nov. 8 will be our first Sunday,” said Head Librarian Christine Sauro. “Doors will be open from 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m.,” she said. “All the normal services will be available.”
Through the Sunday opening, the McAlester Public Library is operating as a test site for the Southeast Library System of Oklahoma.
“We will be tracking the number of people who come through the door, the circulation and computer use,” Sauro said.
The test is set to continue with the library remaining open on Sundays at least through Memorial Day next May. Although the library is expected to revert to being closed on Sundays again during the summer, it’s possible the expanded Sunday openings could be reinstated later in 2010.
“We’ll evaluate the numbers and see if we will do it again in the fall,” Sauro said.
“We anticipate it being from Labor Day to Memorial Day,” she said, referring to 2010-2011.
Sauro said she’s had some library patrons in the past ask about the possibility of the library being open on Sundays. She thinks they will be pleased by the new hours.
Being open on Sundays is only one way the library is offering additional services.
Sauro noted that the library already has extended check-out times in place.
“Our Web site also has so much you can do from home,” she said, referring to the site known as www.mcalesterlibrary.net.
“We’re trying to be as helpful as we can to our patrons,” Sauro said.
“I’m excited about it,” Sauro said of the new Sunday hours. “I think it’s going to be a big success. I really do.”
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
