Overall Library Operating Hours Increased 24 Hours Per Week
The County Legislature has announced that the Schenectady County Public Library will implement new hours of operation at six of the nine branch locations starting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The hours of operation at the Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central), Phyllis Bornt, and Mont Pleasant libraries will remain the same.
The new schedule ensures that all branches will be open Monday through Saturday, with each of the eight neighborhood branches open two evenings per week, either Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Libraries are essential to our residents and families, serving as community centers that offer so much more than just books,” said Schenectady County Legislator Haileab Samuel, Chair of the Education & Libraries Committee. "By introducing new hours and coordinating alternate evening schedules among neighboring branches, we're making it easier for all County residents to access quality library services, even on nights and weekends."
Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL)
SCPL is operated by Schenectady County and is made up of 9 branch libraries located throughout the county. SCPL offers educational, cultural, recreational, and informational programs for all ages at branches throughout the county. Learn more about upcoming programming, events, and library locations and hours of operation at www.scpl.org.
Over the past 10 years at Schenectady County Public Libraries more than 9.9 million items were circulated, more than 238,000 children and caregivers attended youth services programs, and more than 100,000 attended adult services programs.
Investing in Our Libraries
Schenectady County is proud to support a county-wide library system with nine branches to better serve our communities. Since 2010, the County Legislature has invested over $14 million in infrastructure improvements for the Schenectady County Public Library System, including:
- Building two new neighborhood libraries—Phyllis Bornt and Mont Pleasant.
- Adding a children’s wing at the Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library.
- Expanding program spaces, updating paint, seating, and window coverings, and upgrading technology to provide Wi-Fi and computer access.
- Adding a new community room at the Scotia branch.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Improving parking, sidewalks, and installing new circulation desks to enhance accessibility.
The 2024-2029 Capital Budget passed by the County Legislature in October 2023 includes more than $2.3 million in library infrastructure projects for 2024 including interior, exterior, and parking lot improvements.
The mission of the Schenectady County Public Library is to satisfy the community’s recreational, educational, informational, and cultural needs by providing free and open access to a comprehensive range of materials, services, and programs.