Beaverton Library Open Hours To Change, City Says

BEAVERTON, OR — After reviewing the results of the annual library survey, the city of Beaverton has decided to shift the open hours for both its city library locations to better meet the needs of the community.

Conducted last fall, the annual library survey asked the community to rate both libraries and offer suggestions for what they can do to improve. Roughly 3,000 people reportedly responded to the survey.

"People had great things to say about the libraries, but when we asked what we could improve the number one response was hours," former Beaverton Library Director Abigail Elder told Patch. "If you're at either library on a Sunday morning, you know there's usually a line to get in forming an hour before they open. This change helps fix that."

Using the survey as well as data collected from both libraries that show each location's busiest hours, the city was able to narrow down a uniform schedule of open hours for both sites that ought to provide better access for all library users.

"We're making library programs and materials available at more convenient times," Elder said. "It should be much better for the people of Beaverton."

Beginning Sunday, Aug. 26, the Main Beaverton City Library at 12375 S.W. Fifth St. and the Murray Scholls library at 11200 S.W. Murray Scholls Pl., suite 102, will operate on the same schedule:

• Sunday — 12 - 6 p.m.
• Monday — 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday — 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday — 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday — 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday — 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Saturday — 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The change in hours will be most noticeable for regular visitors to the Murray-Scholls location, Elder said, noting the library's previous hours were Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.

Now, visitors to Murray-Scholls between Thursday and Sunday will be able to get in two hours earlier.

Sunday visitors to the Main library will also get the benefit of two extra open hours, while the library's weekday hours from Monday to Thursday will be reduced by one hour each night.

Closing the Main library earlier and keeping the Murray-Scholls library open longer, Elder said, should balance the community's needs on both sides of town.

For more information on the Beaverton City Libraries or their myriad services, visit www.BeavertonLibrary.org or call 503-644-2197.

Top image of Murray-Scholls library via City of Beaverton