Decorah Library Board is weighing its options for reopening the library

The renovation of the Decorah Public Library is moving along, which means Library Board members are discussing whether and how the library should reopen once construction is done.

One concept being studied is "Express Service," a policy which would allow brief browsing or brief computer use, but would not allow the use of the library as a social gathering place.

At a meeting Monday afternoon, board members discussed the possible particulars of how Express Service would work.  Hours of noon until 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. were discussed, but not determined.  Library Board member Andrew Hageman suggested the library should have Saturday hours to allow access by people who work during the week.  Library Board President Andrea Beckendorf suggested the library should as much as possible make a decision on operating hours three months at a time, unless outside forces prevented that.

The Library Board will meet again December 14th and is expected to make a decision on how the library should operate starting in January.