New Library Hours!

LaVale Library – Start July 6, 2026

All other Libraries – Start August 3, 2026

The updated schedule reflects feedback gathered from library stakeholders, including patrons, staff, the Board of Trustees, and elected officials. The changes are designed to improve consistency across the library system, expand access to evening services, and provide more equitable library service throughout Allegany County.

Under the new schedule:

• All ACLS branches will once again be open on Mondays.
• Evening service hours will expand across the system, creating more opportunities for programs, meetings, and library access outside of traditional work hours.
• No library branch will lose service days.
• The George’s Creek Washington Street, and Westernport Libraries will each gain two additional service days per week.
• Overall public service hours across ACLS will increase by 24 hours per week.
• Library hours will become more consistent across all branches, making schedules easier for patrons to understand and use.

“We have been taking a fresh look at how we can best serve the needs of the people, and fundamentally, we need to be open as much as possible,” said Lisa McKenney, Executive Director of ACLS. “With this new schedule, we are dedicating hours and resources equitably across all library locations, and we are excited to welcome you all to your local library this summer.”

The LaVale Library’s schedule will transition ahead of the other branches as part of a phased implementation plan that balances providing the public with advance notice of the changes and staffing needs across the system.

New Hours FAQs:

Why are the hours changing?

Library hours are being updated based on feedback gathered from library stakeholders, including patrons, staff, the Board of Trustees, and elected officials. The new schedule is designed to improve consistency across the system, expand access to evening services, and provide more equitable library service throughout Allegany County.

Why do LaVale Library hours change before the others?

The library system is implementing these changes using a phased, or tiered, approach in order to provide the public with as much notice as possible while also balancing staffing needs across the system. As part of this transition, staffing resources from the LaVale Library have been redistributed to support more equitable service across the library system and to help maintain coverage during the busy summer vacation season. Because of this, LaVale Library will move forward with it’s new schedule, to a one-shift staffing model ahead of the broader system-wide changes in August.

Are these hours permanent or temporary?

These are our new standard hours.

How will the new hours affect programs and room reservations?

Some programs and reservations may need to be rescheduled to adjust for the new hours. Please check our online calendar or with library staff.

Can I return books to a branch that is closed on certain days?

Yes. All book drops remain open even when branches are closed.

Did the change in hours affect staffing or services?

Staff schedules have shifted, but core library services remain available across all locations.