Scott County is gearing up to switch things up in terms of library hours. Starting March 4, folks in the area will find their local libraries open for longer, as well as during more evenings and weekends, making it a whole lot easier to get in some reading time or use the library services. As per the official announcement, the changes are part of an effort to better match the community's needs.
Besides just pumping up the hours, Scott County is doubling down on its Extended Access program. This neat option lets cardholders who are 16 and older tap into the library from the early hours of 6 AM to a late 10 PM stretch, all on their own, seven days a week. Although for now, three spots - Jordan, Elko New Market, and New Prague Libraries - offer this self-service program, the library honchos are plotting to roll it out in Belle Plaine, Savage, and Prior Lake Libraries later on, promising access to more residents across the board.
Extended Access has already been a hit with the Library faithful, with over 1,000 cardholders signed up to take advantage of getting into their bookish haven practically whenever they please. It's a sign that, even in our screen-dominated era, there’s a steady drumbeat for the written word and spaces dedicated to its proliferation. The Scott County community can look forward to more consistent operating times, according to the library powers-that-be.
With a clear nod to convenience, Scott County is making sure its libraries are not just buildings stocked with books but are evolving as versatile community hubs. Evidenced by their forthcoming additions and expanded hours, it’s clear that they understand the assignment at hand: to serve and grow with the community, adapting to the way the world now operates - sometimes necessitating a late-night literature fix or an early morning research session.
