Wilkes County Public Library Announces Reduced Hours and Programming Due to Budget Cuts

Wilkes County Public Library Announces Reduced Hours and Programming Due to Budget Cuts

Thursday, 17 July 2025 15:05

The Wilkes County Board of Commissioners has approved a budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 that reduces library funding by 9%. This reduction equates to $73,404 less than the library’s approved budget for 2024-25. Due to our limited staffing capacity, the library will reduce its operating hours by five hours each week, along with a decrease in staff hours. These changes are essential to maintaining core library services.

New Library Hours Effective July 28

  • Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closing one hour earlier)
  • Friday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closing 1/2 hour earlier)

Traphill Branch Library will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“These decisions are never easy,” said Suzanne Manners, County Librarian. “We are committed to serving the community with excellence, but with reduced funding and staff hours, we must prioritize essential services.”

Due to a reduction in hours, we regret to inform you that all evening programming will be suspended until further notice. We hope to reinstate these events once funding is restored. However, library staff will continue to provide essential services, including circulation, access to public computers, research assistance, and services for both children and adults, during the revised service hours. Thank you for understanding.

For those who need to collect library materials after hours, the library offers delivery for items placed on hold to convenient pick-up lockers. These lockers are located in Wilkesboro’s Community Commons space and are accessible 24/7.

Furthermore, the library’s much-anticipated renovation project, on the top floor, has faced construction delays. The new completion date is now projected for mid-August.

“We appreciate our community’s patience and continued support during this challenging time,” said Nicole de Bruijn, Renovation Project Manager. “Our staff is doing all they can to provide quality service despite these setbacks.”

For updates on hours, services, and renovation progress, please visit www.wilkeslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.