Beginning Nov. 1, the hours for the main branch of Anderson Public Library will be Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

The Lapel branch hours will be Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m.; closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Due to property tax caps that were introduced this year along with a projected 7 percent deduction for uncollected taxes, Anderson Public Library expects to have a $977,134 shortfall their tax settlement from the county. The estimated loss of revenue for 2010 is $1,505,970. In order to prepare for this sizeable reduction in revenue, the Anderson Public Library Board of Trustees has voted to decrease the hours of operation for the main library and the Lapel branch.

The board also voted to eliminate school bookmobile services at the end of the year.

Anderson Public Library needs and appreciates the community’s support while facing the unpleasant task of reducing services to align with the drastic decreases in revenue. Library staff will provide the best customer service possible to the community while adjusting to these organizational changes.

If you have concerns about the future of your local library, contact your state legislator about tax caps or any other matter before the General Assembly.

Paula Balensiefer

Community relations manager

Anderson Public Library