Minimum Standards: Hours Open
Massachusetts General Laws require that libraries "be kept open a minimum number of hours per week." The Minimum Hours Open requirement is scaled to the population size of the municipality. The Code of Massachusetts Regulations states that libraries must be kept open some evenings, a minimum number of hours, and for some libraries, a minimum number of days per week.
Minimum Hours Open Requirement (Summer Schedule Excepted)
| Population Size | Number of Hours | Number of Days | Portion of Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2,000 | 10 | not specified | some evening hours |
| 2,000 - 4,999 | 15 | not specified | some evening hours |
| 5,000 - 9,999 | 25 | not specified | some evening hours |
| 10,000 - 14,999 | 40 | 5 | some evening hours |
| 15,000 - 24,999 | 50 | 5 | some evening hours |
| 25,000 and over | 63 | 6 | some morning, afternoon, & evening hours |
Compliance with the Minimum Hours Open requirement is measured using winter hours. Winter hours fall on the days between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Summer hours are not used in measuring compliance, but the library must be open each week with posted weekly hours during the summer period.
Citations: MGL c.78 s.19B(3) and 605 CMR 4.01(3);
MBLC Policy (Hours of Service) approved February 4, 1993