Stanislaus County Library officials have announced changes to its business hours, a move designed to enhance customer convenience and provide increased access to library services.

Effective Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, library branches will expand operating hours to better align with the needs of the community. Highlights include the addition of morning hours at smaller libraries, and Friday hours at Turlock and Salida Libraries. In total, there will an additional 91 public service hours per week across Stanislaus County Libraries, bringing up average weekly branch hours from 32 to 39 per week.

“Interest in Library services continues to grow across Stanislaus County,” said County Librarian Sarah Dentan, adding “we are thrilled to be able to expand our hours” as students throughout the region begin to return to school.

Oakdale Branch Library, at 151 S. First Ave., will now be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Friday and Sunday. That brings the weekly hours for Oakdale to a total of 39.

Meanwhile, the local branch is also gearing up for a special program, set for Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m., focusing on gardening.

The Fall Vegetable Gardening program will be offered through the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County. Participants will discover that they can have a vegetable garden in fall. Grow your own salad by planting leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and cilantro, and root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes. This class will discuss planting in the ground and in containers. It is a great class for beginning gardeners; all are welcome to attend.

The Stanislaus County Library is a system of 13 libraries located in communities throughout the county. The library provides books and audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers, all in both print and digital formats. The library supports lifelong learning, including expert assistance accessing library resources and a varied line-up of programs and services that enhance learning at all levels. The Stanislaus County Library is funded primarily through a 1/8-cent special sales tax, which expires in June 2030.

To learn more about the Library’s wide array of programs and services, visit www.stanlibrary.org.