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Library board reviews options
Still wants to open northern branch
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Forsyth County News

Officials reviewed measures Monday that might be necessary in order to open a third branch of the Forsyth County Public Library.

With the library's share of the county budget uncertain for 2010, its board has begun looking at how hours could be cut at the existing branches to make sure the third one opens.

To open the Hampton Park branch in north Forsyth, the board discussed cutting about 12 system hours during the week.

One branch could be open per weeknight, according to director Jon McDaniel. All three branches would close at 5:30 p.m. every weekday except one every week.

The proposal is to keep the Cumming headquarters open till 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sharon Forks branch on Monday and the Hampton Park branch on Wednesday.

Hours could also be cut on weekends.

The new hours could take effect before the new branch is set to open in January.

Library hours are currently 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

While its construction was funded by the state and a previous 1-cent sales tax, Hampton Park's operating budget will come chiefly from the county.

Library officials asked the commission in June for an increase in the library system's 2010 budget solely to operate the new branch, but county budget numbers have grown increasingly bleak since then.