RUMFORD — Rumford Library board of trustees chairwoman Carolyn Kennard has announced that the public library’s opening hours have been reduced from 58 each week to 44. The decision was made at a special meeting of the library trustees on Aug. 31.

“We had no choice,” Kennard said. “The library’s budget was cut by 20 percent, that’s $40,000 below last year’s budget.” She said that the library’s operating budget had been level-funded for many years.

Rumford Library Director Luke Sorensen said, “We worked hard to maintain a level of service that answers the community’s needs. But budget cuts have reduced staffing so severely the 58 hour opening schedule just can’t be sustained.”

Effective Tuesday, Sept. 7, the Rumford Public Library will be open: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The library will be closed on Saturday.

Sorensen said they welcome the public’s comments and questions. The library’s phone number is 364-3661. E-mail comments may be sent to [email protected].

Patrons can get copies of the new opening hours schedule at the front desk in the library and on the library’s website, www.rumford.lib.me.us.