To clarify Albert Lea’s library needs in 2009.

The current hours for the children’s and fiction library are OK.

The second floor adult library needs the 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday to Saturday hours and 1 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Instead of eight employees working in the library there are really 11, leaving three floaters. A good reason even if the state cutbacks come to keep the second floor open longer with more self-service times.

On the second floor there are:

1. “Non-circulating” computers.

2. “Non-circulating” periodicals.

3. “Non-circulating” newspapers.

4. “Non-circulating” reference items (more open reference section needed).

With the closing of the children’s library and third floor on Sunday, there are more hours to keep the second-floor adult open and available.

STS and other supplements to staff (custodial) should also help. In 2009 plan to have the second floor hours above ASAP. Albert Lea is a cost-effective, open and quality operation.

Tom Schleck

Albert Lea