Niles Library to Stay Open Until 7 p.m. Fridays

You won't have to leave work early to get your weekend movies anymore.

Last week, the Niles Public Library board voted to extend Friday hours by two hours, closing at 7 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. The longer hours go into effect Sept. 9. 

"When we did focus groups, we heard the public would really appreciate extended hours," said Linda Weiss, the library's director.

The library board decided a few months ago to open the library on Sundays this summer. In past years, the facility had been closed on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

"We found that at 5 p.m. on Fridays, we have a house full of people here," said Weiss.

They included children who arrived after school, students trying to get in some studying or adults who came after work to pick up books on hold or get a DVD movie for the weekend.

"People are already here, and the longer hours will give them an opportunity to use the services," said Sue Wilsey, the library's director of marketing and communications. 

Weiss added, "We know there are people who don't use the library, and I don't want it to be because of the schedule."

Sally Anderson, an Edison Park resident, has been a patron at the Niles Public Library for more than 10 years. The retiree said since she could visit the library anytime, the hours extension did not affect her directly.

But Anderson said it was an excellent idea and was glad to hear about the change, which the library board approved July 20.

"With the economy, more and more people are using the library for entertainment," Anderson said. "It's good for families that take out movies for the weekend."

Anderson was very complimentary of the library's staff and noted more people, including those who work six days a week, would be able to enjoy their services with the longer in hours.