This is the utopia, but unfortunately, delinquents and no-good doers will harass the people in late night libraries and cafes. There is a cafe in my hometown that used to run 24/7 but anti-social behaviour made them close much earlier. Granted it has been an issue before, but the pandemic solidified the decision to no longer serve 24/7, especially with people no longer spending much time outside of their home any longer than it used to be.
That’s exactly my point. Municipalities set the budget and most don’t increase it enough year over year, if at all.
Staff budgets are one of the most costly aspects of libraries. Staffing another 12 or more hours would be millions of dollars more per year added to the budget.
We already fight tooth and nail for every penny we get. They’re not going to change their minds and double our budgets.
In fact, depending on where you live, their are people that would rather defund libraries bc someone convinced a swathe of people that they’re “too political.”
This is the utopia, but unfortunately, delinquents and no-good doers will harass the people in late night libraries and cafes. There is a cafe in my hometown that used to run 24/7 but anti-social behaviour made them close much earlier. Granted it has been an issue before, but the pandemic solidified the decision to no longer serve 24/7, especially with people no longer spending much time outside of their home any longer than it used to be.
Someone has to pay for the staff and maintenance too.
Despite inflation and growing user bases, libraries aren’t getting more money in most places.
Libraries are tax funded. It’s a service, not a business. Reallocate the money, preferably from the police.
That’s exactly my point. Municipalities set the budget and most don’t increase it enough year over year, if at all.
Staff budgets are one of the most costly aspects of libraries. Staffing another 12 or more hours would be millions of dollars more per year added to the budget.
We already fight tooth and nail for every penny we get. They’re not going to change their minds and double our budgets.
In fact, depending on where you live, their are people that would rather defund libraries bc someone convinced a swathe of people that they’re “too political.”