The Rome-Floyd County Library is making changes to its hours of operation in response to a budget shortfall.
Starting soon, the library will close on Fridays to help save about $82,000, according to Director Dana Sissel.
Sissel explained during a recent board meeting that the new schedule is the best solution to manage the deficit, though there is some uncertainty about the exact impact. “Honestly, that’s the only way we can meet the deficit,” she said. “We’re going to play it by ear, but this is a good estimate.”
In 2024, the library system had about 332,657 visitors across its six branches, with more than 207,580 of those visits at the Rome branch.
Interest in library events, as well as the use of technology and online resources, has been on the rise.
The new hours will include the closure of Fridays, in addition to Sundays. The library will still open at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday but will close earlier, at 7 p.m. instead of 8:30 p.m. Saturday hours remain unchanged, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
