BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Central Library in Downtown Buffalo announced it is slashing its hours, at least temporarily, Thursday evening.
Effective March 10, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library told 7 News it will close to the public at 3 p.m. on weekdays, due to safety concerns for patrons.
The director of the library said in a statement they have seen more and more incidents involving youth that are creating an environment that is not what patrons expect.
"A lot of teens that have been here in the after school hours and that have been creating disruptions. They have been fighting," said Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Director John Spears. "I don't want to make it seem that it's just them though. We've seen issues throughout the day but there's no question that most of the incidents are occurring after 3 o'clock."
The acts of a few have resulted in @buffalolibrary to reduce the hours at the Central Branch. I've already discussed the issue with @MayorByronBrown and we will be meeting soon with others to devise a plan to safely reopen the Library for its normal hours.
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) March 10, 2023
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/Z2shlgyF1w
The library director said this brief pause will allow the library to figure out a new strategy to move forward, in a way that welcomes the teens that offer services and makes everyone feel welcome at the library.
No word on a timeline for hours to return to normal.
And for the patrons that utilize the library's WIFI every day? It is going to be an adjustment.
"It is a bit of a disappointment but, I understand the reasons why they are closing. I just hope they can get it back to the original times as soon as possible," said Kylon Kane, who visits the Central Library every day.
Library patrons can still drop off books, call the library to ask questions, and rent out the media rooms.
