Changes at the Timberland Naselle Library are a source of back-and-forth assertions.

NASELLE — The Timberland Library branch at Naselle is changing format.

From Oct. 1, it will not be staffed except during scheduled programming.

Naselle’s current staffed opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. After Sept. 30, access to the library materials will be available to patrons who have signed up in advance for an Expanded Access Hours pass.

Pull Quote

‘It was one of our lower circulating libraries in the system.’

Michelle Zilli, South Pacific County librarian

Michelle Zilli, who manages all three branches in south Pacific County, said patrons are moving toward that approach, which allows people to go into any Timberland library branch seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. “We have had quite a few people come in and get the Expanded Access cards because having access to a library is important to them,” she said.

Reactions

However, the news has disappointed many in Naselle.

The announcement, on the library’s Facebook page and via a community mailing of postcards, drew a barrage of online responses.

Pat Howerton was blunt: “This is upsetting on so many levels. What was the reasoning? Why was the community not involved in the decision? I can’t see that this is saving much money, so did the board just decide to desert Naselle?”

“An unstaffed library is not helpful to the folks who need the help of a librarian,” posted Susan Burkhalter. Clarissa Colson agreed. “This is so disheartening,” she posted. “The librarians are what brings the library to life.”

The posts follow concerns expressed about prior changes.

Gayle Mahan wrote to the Observer in February, sharing details of complaints shared with the Timberland’s management board. “The removal of a majority of the books, magazines and DVDs on display takes away from the ‘browsing’ experience that is such an important part of a library visit. The lack of displayed material cheapens the look of the library, as if it is running low on stock.”

Programs

Zilli noted that, as far as she knows, Naselle is the only branch of the 29 in the Timberland system making the change. “It was one of our lower circulating libraries in the system,” she said. “It is important that Timberland is a good steward of public funds. Self-service frees up staff to serve in other ways.”

Mindy Humphrey will maintain the Naselle collection, she added.

Programs are listed online at www.trl.org/events. During Wednesdays, when the play group is held at 10:30 a.m., staff will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A “Crafternoon” program for all ages is held on the first Friday of the month from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; a builders’ club for school-age children is held on the second Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. During these afternoons, staff will be available from 3-6 p.m.

“And patrons can still call any branch for help, and we have a ‘live chat’ on our website,” said Zilli. The Timberland web site, which supports branches in five Washington counties, is at www.trl.org. She pledged to continue visits and close links with the Naselle schools. “All our community activities are still ongoing.”

How it works

The “Expanded Access Hours” program has been available at all south Pacific County Timberland branches for some while. Patrons must sign up in-person at any branch so they can properly verify their address, although details are available online at www.TRL.org/EAH.

The program gives people a keycard to open an exterior door and go inside any branch when staff are not available. They can check out materials and pick up holds using a barcode scanner, use a computer, and scan or make copies. This is available every day of the week, including Sundays, but for safety and security reasons hours are restricted to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Timberland Library branches

Timberland Library branches

Staffed hours

Naselle (until Oct. 1)

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Ilwaco

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Ocean Park

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Expanded access hours (register in person with library staff; information available at www.TRL.org/EAH)

7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.