Two libraries may change hours

A survey conducted by the Flathead County Library System showed strong support for changing library hours at the main library in Kalispell and at the Columbia Falls Branch Library.

Proposed changes to the hours are aimed at accommodating patrons, Library Director Kim Crowley said. Extended evening hours on Fridays would be one of the changes. New hours likely would start Jan. 1.

Survey respondents were presented with two options for different hours.

At the Kalispell library, 526 people weighed in, with 194 wanting the existing schedule and 183 wanting the option that would have the library open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A second option would open the main library from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 149 library users checked that option.

Current hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

In Columbia Falls, most library users favored a schedule that would have the library open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 12 to 6 p.m. Friday and 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Current hours in Columbia Falls are noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Bigfork survey respondents overwhelmingly wanted to keep the current hours. Crowley said she will conduct another survey there to get input.

“We’re not cutting any hours at either [the Columbia Falls or Kalispell] location,” she said.