Last year, students had the ability to work in the library after school. It was especially helpful for those who lack computer access at home, as they would use that time to complete all the computer homework at school.
This year, however, all of that has changed. Because of budget cuts, the library now closes at 3:30 p.m., 50 minutes earlier than last year’s 4:20 p.m. closing time.
Librarian Nichole Ballard-Long attributes the abbreviated library after-hours to the dismissal of the Zero Hour contract they had last year.
Teachers who have a Zero Hour class are paid an additional amount of money above their regular salary. Last year, a librairian was given a Zero Hour contract in order to keep the library open longer in the afternoon.
Right now, this doesn’t pose as much of a problem because people haven’t really gotten any major projects yet, Ballard-Long said.
“As the semester goes on, and people have more work, it’ll become more of a problem,” she continued.
Principal Johjn Shaughnessy said the shortened hours could possibly be “an indirect result of having to be creative with funding in the building” this year.
He also said there is still half a Zero Hour contract open for anyone who wants to keep the library open a little bit longer, but as of right now, no one has stepped up to do so.
