Manatee County libraries to reduce hours starting in August. Here’s why

Manatee County libraries will have decreased hours starting in August due to staffing shortages.

The county said the reduced hours are a result of a countywide hiring freeze, which is affecting library services. Libraries throughout the county are operating with about 20% fewer staff than needed, according to a county release.

“Adjusting operating hours allows us to continue providing consistent, high-quality service with the staff currently available,” the release states.

The hiring freeze comes as the Board of County Commissioners reviews next year’s budget.

Starting Aug. 1, most Manatee County libraries will open at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The Island Library on Holmes Beach will open at 9 a.m. but close two hours early, at 6 p.m., three nights a week.

“Vacant positions are being reviewed to identify potential cost savings while ensuring that critical services continue,” the county stated. “Critical services, public safety, and regulatory obligations remain the priority in every review.”

Manatee County libraries reduce hours

The county’s release did not give an estimate on when service hours would return to normal. Instead, county officials said it would be contingent on funding available for staffing.

Library users with a community room reservation that will be affected by the reduced hours will be contacted to discuss options.

Here are the new hours of the county’s libraries:

Central Library, Palmetto Library, Rocky Bluff Library and South Manatee Library

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Closed Sunday

Braden River Library and Lakewood Ranch Library

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Island Library

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday
• Closed Sunday

Little Discovery Center

• Open hours from noon to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday
• By appointment only from 10 a.m. to noon Monday to Saturday

Carter Weinhofer

Bradenton Herald

Carter Weinhofer is the Bradenton Herald’s Accountability Reporter. He covers politics, development and other local issues. Carter’s work has received recognition from the Florida Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Florida Society of News Editors. He graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.