An exciting development has taken place in Butte County as residents will now enjoy extended access to their local libraries. The decision came after the Butte County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to increase operational hours across all library branches. This positive change is made possible by the passage of Measure H, which introduced a modest sales tax adjustment last November. The additional funding has enabled the creation of 16.5 new full-time positions within the library system, enhancing the services provided to the community.
All six library branches throughout Butte County will benefit from these changes. For instance, the Chico Library will now welcome visitors on Mondays in addition to its previous Tuesday through Saturday schedule. Similarly, Durham's branch will be accessible from Tuesday to Saturday. Gridley's library will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while Biggs' facility will open its doors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Oroville's library has added Tuesdays to its calendar, and Paradise's location will offer continuous service from Tuesday to Saturday. These modifications ensure that more people can take advantage of essential resources such as Wi-Fi and educational materials.
With the expanded hours, individuals who previously struggled to find time for library visits due to work or personal commitments now have greater flexibility. Peter Durfee, a member of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of providing equitable access to information and technology. By extending library hours, Butte County demonstrates its commitment to fostering an informed and connected community. Such initiatives not only enhance daily life but also inspire future generations to value lifelong learning and resource-sharing.