The Waltham Public Library has announced it will no longer be open on Sundays during July and August of this year.
Also, the library has reduced its Saturday hours to 12 - 5 p.m. for the summer season.
In a statement, Library Director Kate Tranquada cited staffing issues.
"There are not enough qualified employees available to safely open the library from nine to five on Saturdays and on Sunday afternoons this summer. Weekends are the busiest days at the library, but such a large public building cannot function without a minimum number of staff on duty. Over the past few years, the pool of qualified staff has been shrinking; weekend pay rates have not kept pace with weekday rates, and, according to contract, summer weekend shifts are voluntary for employees," Tranquada said.
Currently, two part-time positions are vacant, according to the statement. However, the library is currently in a hiring freeze for permanent employees. The building will receive funds to hire a teen specialist this month.
Despite the announcement, online services will continue as normal.
For more information and details, see the PDFs attached to this article.
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