Branch libraries will be closed on Saturdays. Each branch will be open three days a week with two days 10-6 p.m. and one day that opens late at noon but closes at 8 p.m.

liberal artist: i am surprised at your stance. kids need positive, healthy, safe things to do. it's confusing that you'd criticize how kids would spend their time in the library, when it only makes me think of the negative things they AREN'T doing to fill their time.

i completely agree that library hours should not be cut.

@ My Fair City - I agree that New Haven's youth need access to public libraries throughout the summer as well as the school year. I understand that during the summer months children tend to lose the knowledge learned throughout the school year causing schools and teachers to spend the first month of the following school year relearning. I understand that only some of the youth of New Haven would choose to make use of the libraries but it is crucial that they be available.

@ Liberal Artist - I'm glad that you are a "former children's librarian" because your comments show that you have become jaded. Whether children use computer games, check out DVD's or look at magazines and read books, the fact that they are in a library likely has a positive influence on them. I agree that reading, books, writing, science and math are all areas that deserve value in our society. I'm sure that as a children's librarian, one could potentially positively influence those children who choose to visit the library. I've spent a significant amount of time in the children's section of the Mitchell library and have tended to notice the family members with their children. I believe that what you are looking to see you will see. Perhaps a change of focus would help you to see the importance of library availability for our youth.

I wonder why people do not mind when adults use the library for recreational purposes - dvds, music, programs and computer social networking - but get upset when kids want to do the same thing. There is value in recreation and learning. The library is a resource for lifelong reading and a community gathering spot. I can't afford to take my kids on vacation during the summer, so I use the library's things to entertain and educate us. Don't make it hard for me and my friends.

The public library has always been closed Saturdays during school vacation in the Summer. Right now I hear the library staff is working to find a way to remain open this summer. The problem is low staff numbers. With 50% of their staff cut over the last ten years, the responsible parties for the decline in services are 1) Mayor John Destefano 2) the Board of Alders and 3) the library board (appointed by the mayor). With the library accounting for LESS THAN 1% OF THE TOTAL CITY BUDGET, this situation is inexcusable. All concerns about this matter should be addressed directly to the aforementioned parties. Mayor's night out, BOA meetings and monthly library board meetings would be a good place to demand funding for the library. FUND THE LIBRARY!

Actually the branch libraries were opened on Saturdays during the summer of 2007. The Main library will be open on Saturdays during July and August. This is new for the library system. Again, though, branches will only have three open days with two mornings and one evening and like things are now the branches will be open on different days.

There is nothing more important than having a library with reasonable hours. Aside from reading
and computer use, the programs offered are important. As a loyal supporter of the library system,
I feel this issue is of great significance to the residents of the city. Please support the library whether
it's by your time, your talent or your money. Everyone benefits from the library!

As a former children's librarian myself, I concur - plenty of parents, unfortunately, use libraries as babysitters. Some of these parents can be found at BARS, drinking and drugging, while we're left handling their out of control kids that they apparently never wanted in the first place. It is sickening.

We are trying to delineate issues that are current and need the city's attention to resolve. Any issues prior to 2013 are being closed. If your issue remains and needs to be addressed by the city, please either re-open or open as a new See Click Fix issue. Thanks.