Albert Lea has a nice new library and a priority should be set for keeping it open at least half of the hours in a week — 84 to be exact.

With a staff of eight full-time equivalents for employees, that’s 320 hours a week. So! I believe the hours could be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday 1 to 9 p.m. for Sunday. That’s only 80 hours a week, but that’s two shifts of 40 hours a week.

Four FTEs, three if one is sick, per shift. Other programs can be worked in during those hours.

If money needs to be saved, use Sentenced to Serve staff in many city programs.

If Sunday closing saving is needed, then close the third-floor fiction library and leave the rest open.

Albert Lea needs a quiet seven-day-a-week periodical,

kids and reference option on the second floor. Computers are also popular.

We do need a better open reference section in the library.

We can reduce the cost and like many stores go to more self service and longer open hours. Note the hours the Albert Lea Family Y is open in Albert Lea. Be staff flexible including on holidays.

The Albert Lea Family Y, a $700,000-a-year budget, a big building, open more than 100 hours a week!

Albert Lea Public Library, $880,000 budget in 2008 open barely 60 hours a week and plans less!

To attract new firms in our 24-hour world, longer library hours can be done inexpensively and be a feather in Albert Lea’s cap. Plus local students and others (shift workers) will have a good place to go.

Tom Schleck

Albert Lea