Director's Statement Regarding Updated Hours

Hours beginning Monday, April 5:
Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
Fri.: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sat.: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sun.: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Our mission at the Hancock County Public Library is to provide quality information service and materials to all Hancock County residents in a financially responsible way. It is because of this mission that we have decided to update our Greenfield location’s hours to be consistent with the Sugar Creek Branch in New Palestine and close at 8:00 PM on Mondays through Thursdays.

Like other businesses and government organizations, our offerings have run the gamut over the past year – from entirely virtual, to limited hours with no Saturdays, to the launching of a brand-new home delivery service. Since returning to full operating hours on February 1 (for the second time), we have noticed very little to no patronage after 8:00 PM. We analyzed circulation and foot traffic over the past few years and discovered that 8:00 to 9:00 PM accounted for such a low percentage that it didn’t make sense to be open during that time.

We remain committed to providing excellent service and availability and are proud of the community support that allows us to remain open 64 hours per week, including Saturdays and Sundays. We are happy to report that we have upgraded our wireless network to provide a stronger signal and faster bandwidth to our parking lot should you ever need internet access while we are closed. We have also reallocated some of our budget to increase our online collection, including eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, TV shows, and movies – all available 24/7, free with a library card. I am honored to live and work in such a wonderful community as ours, and I thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

David Gray

Director, Hancock County Public Library