Van Alstyne Public Library is now open 38 hours a week, up from 30, after a schedule change that took effect Oct. 1.
Library Director Kimberly Bowen described the change, a 26.7% increase in public hours, in her September report to the City Council, which is included in the agenda packet for the council's Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting.
The library's website lists the current schedule at 151 W. Cooper St.:
- Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September by the numbers
Bowen's report counts 1,972 visits in September and 3,133 physical checkouts, about 12% more than in August, plus 504 digital checkouts. The library issued 113 new cards, roughly 59% more than the month before, and now has 6,707 registered borrowers.
Staff added 1,061 items during the month, bringing the collection to 15,125. The report says the library used year-end money to rebuild the collection and buy recurring supplies ahead of what it calls a reduced budget for fiscal 2027.
The library ran 18 programs that drew 337 attendances, a figure that counts visits rather than individual people. Preschool storytime set an attendance record of 69, and the first baby storytime drew 14. Two AWE early-literacy computers logged more than 62 hours of use, and patrons checked out 34 learning kits.
Other items in the report:
- The library earned full Texas Library System accreditation for state fiscal year 2027, which keeps it eligible for statewide resources.
- Two donated 3D printers have been tested, but public printing will wait until a service policy is reviewed.
- Ceiling fans, two digital announcement screens and new tablets were installed or ordered.
- Staff plan a library booth at Downtown Trick or Treat on Oct. 24.
