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Press Release
January 21, 2012

Mayor Emanuel to Open Libraries on Monday Afternoons

$2 Million in Resources Dedicated to Keeping Branch Libraries Open Six Days a Week
Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey announced today that branch locations of the Chicago Public Library (CPL) will be open on Monday afternoons starting February 6, 2012. 

“We made a commitment to children and residents that libraries would be open six days a week, and we are delivering on that commitment without any cooperation from union leadership,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Branch libraries will open on Monday afternoons – and all day on Mondays when Chicago Public Schools are not in session – to provide students and others the many resources the library offers.”

City officials are re-allocating more than $2 million in resources to keep branch locations available six days a week. These resources will allow 90 positions to be placed in CPL branches including restoring 65 positions from savings inside and outside the library system. This includes shifting 25 library staff from Harold Washington Library to branches; reducing maintenance costs and services at the central location; leaving unfilled positions vacant; and reducing tuition reimbursement allotments. 

“I know our librarians are committed to providing the best services to the children and residents of Chicago, but unfortunately their union leadership would not partner with us on a solution,” said Mayor Emanuel.  “Keeping libraries open on Monday afternoons – when children are out of school and need a safe place to study – is the right thing to do for our students and residents.”

 

Chicago Public Library Branch Schedule for the Remainder of 2012

 

36 Weeks when CPS is in session – 44 hours a week

  • Four hours on Monday afternoons
  • Eight hours Tuesday through Saturday
  • Does not include scheduled holidays

16 Weeks when CPS is not in session – 48 hours a week

  • Eight hours Monday through Saturday
  • Spring break
  • June, July and August
  • Winter break

Mondays in February

  • February 6 – Open half-day
  • February 13 – Closed (Lincoln’s Birthday)
  • February 20 – Closed (Washington’s Birthday)
  • February 27 – Open half-day

 

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