By admin 
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 25, the Swannanoa Library will reopen, but all Buncombe County Public Libraries will operate on a modified schedule due to storm-related budgetary impacts, according to a release from the county.
Locations with the most use will maintain their current hours, however, other branches will reduce their operating days by one or two days per week.
“Despite unprecedented challenges facing Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, we are still able to operate all 12 Buncombe County Public Libraries with a partially modified schedule,” said Library Director Jason Hyatt, in part, via the release.
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Due to reduced revenues, the county has also implemented a hiring freeze for all 13 vacant library positions, according to the release.
The release from Buncombe County says this new library schedule accommodates current staffing, vacancies and future turnover. The release also says this ensures that library services are distributed equitably throughout the county.
Despite changes, each library branch will continue offering youth services and early literacy programs.
“As Buncombe County shifts priorities from emergency response to recovery, it is vitally important to maintain our cultural assets while balancing fiscal responsibility,” said Assistant County Manager Tim Love via the release. “While we don’t have a projected timeframe for this new schedule, this is not intended to be a permanent change to operations but will help us get through this period of budget and staffing strain.”
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The release says this scheduling change aims to minimize the impact on staff. That shift involves two permanent transfers.
On closed days, staff at library locations with reduced schedules will have secondary assignments at other branches. The release says this ensures all staff will retain their current scheduled hours and pay.
The schedule for Buncombe County Public Libraries (effective Jan. 25) is below: