Commerce Library cuts back hours

The Commerce Public Library has shortened its hours this month in an attempt to make up for a lack of funding.

Director of the library Gayle Gordon said she hopes this will increase donations, which the library sorely needs.

“We need money,” she said.

The library’s new hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday. These new hours have reduced the time of business by one hour every weekday.

“Taking five hours a week away will hopefully help us,” Gordon said.

Gordon said in addition to donations the library also needs support from the city. She said the book depository receives about half its funding from the city. President of Friends of the Commerce Library Isabelle Davis said that amount is just over $56,000.

“We have been working at a loss for a while,” Gordon said. “The operating costs for the library are expensive. For five years we have received the same amount and costs have gone up.”

Davis said the library does receive grants, but those are rarely used for operating costs. She said the library received a $10,000 grant this year, but that money had to be used on books.

“We need more individual donations,” she said.

Volunteers can also be used at the library according to Davis.

Gordon said the library has branched out in an effort to raise money in other ways. It now offers services to those seeking a passport. She said they send information for those wanting a passport for $25.

Fund raisers and straight donations are another way Gordon said the library receives money.

“People can donate money and have memorials named after them or their friends,” she said. “They can even buy books in honor of someone.”

The Commerce Public Library is located at 1210 Park St. For further information call 903-886-6858.