Library hours trimmed for Milford and Dingman branches

MILFORD — Starting in September, the Pike County Public Library will close its Milford branch on Sundays, and its Dingman branch on Sundays and Mondays.

An anonymous donation was made when the new library building first opened in Milford to ensure that both branches would be open seven days a week for the first year, according to a statement from the library board and the executive director, Rose Chiocchi. They said their decision was "based on finances, common library practice, and daily attendance numbers."

"While the library is being used now more than ever — over 60,000 people a year visit, it is difficult to keep up with the day to day operations without reliable funding," said the statement.

Library membership has increased by 25 percent as the library regularly continues to add free services for the public, said the statement, which added: "Unfortunately, as the Library continues to grow, so do the expenses. In order to keep the high quality programming and services that they do offer, some changes will be made."

As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, the new schedule will be as follows:

Milford:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed
Dingman:
Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Thursday: 2-7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

"We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause and we ask for your understanding," Chiocchi said in the statement."

Library is online 24/7The library catalog is always available at the library's website, at www.pcpl.org. Online, patrons may renew items, place items on hold, pay fines, and access electronic databases including Learning Express, OneClick Digital, Zinio, Mango, and NYTimes.com. The library has partnered with the Wayne County Library Alliance to expand its collection and access.

The Milford branch is located at 119 E. Harford Street. The Dingman branch is located at 100 Bond Court.