Sad news for the Genealogy researcher in Houston…
05 April 2010
To Members of the Genealogical Community:
On Thursday, April 1st, 2010, Dr. Rhea Lawson, Director, Houston Public Library, presented a report to the City Council concerning a required reduction of operating hours in all Houston libraries including special collections due to drastic budget cuts city-wide. This proposal had already been approved by Mayor Parker prior to its presentation to council.
Effective April 17th, 2010, open hours at Clayton Library for Genealogical Research hours will be:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10-6;
- Wednesday 10-8;
- Saturday 10-5;
- Library CLOSED on Friday and Sunday
For some time now, there has been a hiring freeze in the HPL system, therefore, adjusting the total number of hours that Clayton Library will be open does not seem to be a negotiable possibility – even though Clayton operating hours are being reduced from 60 to 41 hours per week. However, CLF has significant issues and concerns regarding Friday closures. Out of town genealogists, especially societies, planning a research trip to Houston, often opt for combined Friday / Saturday research days. We are therefore requesting your support in notifying HPL that if the library MUST close on a weekday, it should be on Monday rather than Friday. Patron sign-in data reflects that Friday is a heavy-use day by Clayton patrons, and Mondays have fewer patrons. CLF believe a domino effect, including an adverse impact on tourism could result from Friday closings. In a time where family history interest is at a peak based on recent television programming such as “Who Do You Think You Are” , access to the Clayton Library’s collection is paramount to continued library growth and funding.
I haven’t patronized the Clayton as much in recent years as I once did…On-line research being much easier these days than it once was…But I agree, if you are going to close one day a week, it should be Monday…Not Friday. Make a call…
