Paulden Public Library Now Open on Mondays
Board of Supervisors Approves Library and Staff Hour Increase
Location: Yavapai County, AZ – January 4, 2024
The Yavapai County Free Library District is delighted to announce the approval of an increase of library hours at the Paulden Public Library, a move aimed at meeting the growing demand for library services within the community.
As of January 8th, 2024, the new operating hours will be Monday through Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
The Paulden Public Library has seen a significant surge in demand and engagement over the past few years, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. This growth is reflected in several key metrics:
- An astounding 860% increase in library programs from 10 in 2021 to 96 in 2023, with program attendance skyrocketing by 3316%.
- A 67% increase in library visits over the last three years.
- A 213% rise in the circulation of library materials, reaching 17,044 items checked out in 2023.
- The need for additional staffing to manage the increased youth attendance.
Paulden's population has been steadily growing and serves as the largest unincorporated community in Yavapai County with a Library District branch. However, it currently has the fewest number of open hours and staff hours per resident compared to other branches.
The approved increase in open hours will accommodate this growing population and ensure that the library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all residents, both existing and new. Visits to the library are at an all-time high, and the number of items checked out has steadily increased since the library's opening in 2016.
The decision to increase staff hours aligns with the library's mission to be a dynamic resource hub for the community. It addresses the growing need for access to information, diverse programming, and improved circulation services.
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The Yavapai County Free Library District (YCFLD) operates fifteen branch libraries, most in unincorporated communities. The YCFLD also partially funds individual municipal libraries and fully funds the Yavapai Library Network (YLN) operations, supporting a consortium of more than 40 public, academic, school and museum libraries in Yavapai County.
YCFLD was established in 1987 by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors.
Visit us at ycfld.gov or on Facebook "@YCFLD"
District branches are located in Ash Fork, Bagdad, Beaver Creek, Black Canyon City, Clarkdale, Congress, Cordes Lakes, Crown King, Dewey-Humboldt, Mayer, Paulden, Seligman, Spring Valley, Wilhoit, and Yarnell.
