Heights Libraries changes hours at two locations beginning Jan. 5

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library will expand its Sunday hours in 2014 by opening the University Heights Library on Sundays from 1–5 p.m.

Heights Libraries will fund the additional hours at the University Heights Library by closing the Coventry Village Library on Fridays—a day with relatively low circulation rates compared to the other three libraries in the system.

The new hours will begin on Sunday, Jan. 5.

“We conducted an extensive community survey last February, and an issue that came up with our customers was a desire for more hours, especially on Sundays,” said Nancy Levin, Heights Libraries director. “So we analyzed our circulation rates and our budget, and found a way to better serve our customer’s needs while keeping our budget balanced.”

Heights Libraries decided to increase hours at the University Heights Library because it is the second most-heavily used of its four branches (behind the Lee Road Library), with the second highest circulation rates and second highest population of patrons living near, and using, the branch.

In 2009, Heights Libraries had to cut Sunday hours at three of its four branches when the State of Ohio drastically reduced public library funding. The Lee Road Library remained open on Sundays, but the Coventry Village, Noble Neighborhood and University Heights libraries closed.

“We can’t wait to offer our customers the greater access they’ve been asking for,” said Aurora Martinez, manager at the University Heights Library.

The news hours will be implemented for one year, at which time Heights Libraries will assess the effectiveness of the change.

Sheryl Banks

Sheryl Banks is the marketing and community relations manager for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library System.

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Volume 7, Issue 1, Posted 2:42 PM, 01.02.2014