The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) has announced an expansion of its operating hours at the Pittsburgh Branch to accommodate increasing needs of the community.
The branch’s new hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. These extended hours are a combination of conventional staffed hours and a newly introduced Extended Hours system, which allows patrons remote support from off-site staff. Notably, staffed hours at the branch have been increased to 40 per week and will not be curtailed due to this development.
During Extended Hours, registered users have the ability to browse the library’s collection, borrow and return materials, pick up holds, utilize public computers and Wi-Fi, as well as copy and print documents.
“As Kingston East continues to grow, so does the need for library services in the area,” said Laura Carter, Chief Librarian/CEO of KFPL. “We are committed to evolving alongside the community’s needs, and we recognize that flexibility in library access is key. Extended Hours allows more people to access our rich resources and welcoming spaces.”
To utilize Extended Hours, users can register in person at any of KFPL’s 16 library branches. The only requirements are that the individual holds a KFPL membership in good standing and is at least 16 years old. Fourteen and fifteen-year-olds may also access the service if they have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Safety protocols are in place during the Extended Hours, including video surveillance and a clear separation between staff and public areas. Pre-registration is mandatory for identification, and a specially programmed phone is available to summon emergency services or request help from library staff at another branch.
The expansion in services and hours underscores the library’s commitment to adapting to community needs. Full details on the branch’s operating hours, both staffed and extended, can be accessed online. For those interested in learning more about the Extended Hours system, KFPL has a dedicated resource page and documentation on previous community engagement and consultations.
