Library Announces Temporary Schedule Change Due to Staff Medical Leave

LCPL Info
7 days ago
2 min read

(Moulton, AL) – July 28, 2025 – The Lawrence County Public Library will temporarily adjust its hours of operation beginning Monday, August 4, due to overlapping staff medical leave.

Blossoming tree in front of the Lawrence County Public Library (Alabama) with a flagpole displaying the U.S. and Alabama flags. Green lawn and clear sky. — *The Lawrence County Public Library*

The updated public hours will be:

· Monday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

· Friday: Closed

This schedule adjustment follows two key staff members on extended medical leave—one recovering from a sudden medical emergency and another undergoing scheduled surgery. The library operates with one full-time and three part-time staff members. County policy limits part-time employees to no more than 29 hours per week, which further restricts scheduling flexibility during this period.

“For safety and service consistency, we require at least two staff members on-site during public hours,” said Library Director Rex Bain. “That standard played a critical role in ensuring a fast emergency response last month, and it remains a non-negotiable part of our operations.”

The library has brought in a temporary part-time student employee. Volunteers remain a valued part of library operations and will continue supporting basic services during this time. However, volunteers are not substitutes for trained staff.

A formal waiver request has been submitted to the Alabama Public Library Service to accommodate this temporary reduction in hours. The library anticipates resuming its normal 40-hour schedule by mid-September, depending on staff recovery.

In the coming weeks, the library will:

· Monitor medical updates and recovery timelines

· Work with local volunteers to ease the workload

· Adjust internal scheduling to maintain safety and service standards

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we navigate this challenge,” Bain added. “Our priority is providing safe, reliable access to the library while protecting the health of our team.”

For updates, visit www.mylcpl.org or follow the library on Facebook.

About LCPL

The Lawrence County Public Library was founded in 1961 as the Moulton Library before transitioning to the county library during the early 70’s. The current library opened its doors to the public in 1974 near historic downtown Moulton by the Lawrence County Board of Education and Lawrence County High School. The library currently serves a population of over 30,000 residents.

About APLS

The Alabama Public Library Service is the state agency whose mission is to provide information services to all citizens, local public libraries, and state employees. To learn more, visit https://aplsws2.apls.state.al.us/.