8/20/2025

Following careful review and discussion, the Lake Bluff Public Library Board of Trustees voted at their August 19, 2025 meeting to continue the Library’s current operating hours:

• Monday – Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
• Thursday: 10am – 8pm
• Friday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday: Closed

In November 2023, the Board voted to adjust the Library’s operating hours in response to staffing levels, building usage trends, and budgetary challenges. This change launched the first iteration of Pilot Hours on January 1, 2024. Since then, the Library has made targeted adjustments to the schedule, improved staffing coverage, and extended the pilot multiple times while gathering usage data and community feedback.

The Board and Library administration understand that Sunday hours are a highly requested service. However, adding additional open hours requires significant resources—staffing and other operational costs—that must be balanced against the Library’s current budget and long-term sustainability. Increasing hours would also place added strain on other priorities, including maintaining the building, supporting programs and collections, and meeting essential service needs.

“Reaching this decision wasn’t easy,” said Natalie Starosta, Library Director. “We take seriously our responsibility to be good stewards of public resources while providing the highest level of service possible. While we are maintaining the current schedule for now, our priority is to explore new and innovative ways to expand access. We will revisit our hours at a later date with the goal of restoring additional open time, including Sundays, when it is feasible to do so.”

The Library will continue to explore ways to reach more residents through expanded digital resources, offsite programs, and other service innovations. Community members who wish to provide feedback are encouraged to contact Natalie Starosta, Library Director, at the Lake Bluff Public Library. 

For more information about Library services and programs, please visit LakeBluffLibrary.org.