The Janet F. Harte Library will soon operate on a reduced schedule beginning August 11 due to safety concerns for Flour Bluff ISD students.
The library will cut its hours from 44 a week to just 24, a change that has shocked many regular patrons.
"I was kind of shocked to find out. I didn't realize that that was even possible," said Defne Cortes, a library patron.
The city and Flour Bluff ISD say the decision is based on Texas Education Code 61, which was enacted following the Uvalde school massacre to enhance safety and security of students and staff in Texas public schools.
The library is located on Flour Bluff ISD property, which is why the education code applies to this facility.
"I mean it's definitely sad. It's been part of our weekly routine since I started staying at home with her," said Whitney Jones, another library patron.
Under the new schedule, the library will be open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We come every week. We always check out books. We come to story time. You know he gets really excited about it and it's a great way for him to do something different, see other kids," Cortes said.
For some parents, the new evening hours present significant challenges.
"It really just makes it so that we can't come to story time or check out books during the week because it's late in the evening," Cortez said.
Jones, who brings her daughter to the library for socialization, expressed similar concerns about the schedule change.
"I feel like that's when we're doing dinner, bedtime, bath, so it probably won't be working for us during the week, but yeah, that's kind of a hard time for our age right now," Jones said.
It remains unclear what will happen to the employees of the Janet F. Harte Library.
ORIGINAL:
Corpus Christi's Janet F. Harte Library will significantly reduce public access hours starting August 11 to enhance student safety at Flour Bluff High School where the library is located.
The library's weekly operating hours for public patrons will decrease from 44 to 24 hours as part of a joint agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and Flour Bluff Independent School District.
The changes comply with Texas Education Code 61.1031, which establishes safety and security requirements for schools.
Under the new schedule, weekday access for public patrons will be limited to evening hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while Saturday hours will expand to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The library, located at 2629 Waldron Road in City Council District 4, serves both FBISD students during school hours and city library patrons in the same facility.
"The established and continued 25-year partnership between the City and FBISD has been mutually beneficial," city officials said. "Both entities are dedicated to enforcing enhanced safety and security protocols."
Officials emphasized these measures are vital to ensure student and staff safety while promoting a secure learning environment.
Patrons needing library services outside the updated hours can visit alternative locations including Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library at 5930 Brockhampton Street or Anita & W.T. Neyland Public Library at 1230 Carmel Parkway.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App.
Catch all the KRIS 6 News stories and more on our YouTube page. Subscribe today!
