Middleboro library to close some days due to staff shortage

MIDDLEBORO -- The Middleboro Public Library will be closed some days in July and August due to a staffing shortage, Library Director Beth Paine said.

The move is needed because a full-time library technician is retiring and that position cannot be refilled because of a town wide hiring freeze, Paine said.

She described the move as a “last resort.’’

The library will be closed Friday, July 3; Friday, July 17; Saturday, July 18; Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15. The library will also close early Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. rather than 8 p.m.

The decision was made following a vote June 22 by the Board of Library Trustees.

Library administrators, including Paine and the library’s assistant director, have restructured their schedules to take on as much circulation coverage as possible.

This will cause an occasional shift from their primary administrative duties, she said.

“Our staff is doing everything possible to minimize disruptions, and we appreciate your patience until regular hours resume,’’ Paine said.

Emergency closings may be possible on days when the minimum staffing levels of four employees cannot be maintained due to sick calls, Paine said.

Paine said library staff members "appreciate the town's understanding and support as we manage these temporary operational constraints.''