St. Helens Public Library Change of Hours

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2026

St. Helens, Ore. - Beginning April 9, 2026, the St. Helens Public Library will be closed on Thursdays. This scheduling change is being made to best accommodate Library patron use and preserve maximum service levels.

Due to City of St. Helens requirements to balance the General Fund budget, reductions are being made. A recent part-time Library Assistant position vacancy will remain unfilled. In combination with upcoming proposed furloughs in May 2026, which will reduce full-time staffing hours by eight hours per week per full-time staff member, Thursday Library closures are being implemented in April to allow staff to prepare shifting workloads and prioritize maintaining most effective services to the community.

The St. Helens Public Library will continue to be open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toddler, PreK, and Wee Wigglers programs will be offered Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Baby lapsit programs will remain on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Other regular library programs will not be affected. Check the library calendar online for dates and times ( www.sthelensoregon.gov/library ). The Columbia City meeting rooms will be open on Thursdays on a case-by-case basis.

"We know it may be a challenge for our patrons to adjust to the new schedule," said Library Director Suzanne Bishop. "Our staff is deeply committed to continuing to provide excellent service to our community."

Community members with questions or concerns about changes to St. Helens Public Library services should contact Library Director Suzanne Bishop at [email protected] or 503-397-4544.

Proposed furloughs will reduce staffing levels in all General Fund departments beginning May 1, 2026, to address budget shortfalls in the City's General Fund.

"The decision to reduce service hours and furlough staff has not been made lightly. We know that these decisions will be impactful to the St. Helens community and our staff," said City Administrator John Walsh. "The City of St. Helens is responsible for maintaining a balanced budget and expenses must be reduced if costs have exceeded revenues. City managers are working diligently to identify cost-saving measures and explore additional revenue options to restore staff hours and services to the community as fast as possible."

A State of the City meeting will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the St. Helens Council Chambers at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens. This free event is open to the public. City Councilors and City staff will present information about City projects and services. There will also be time to ask questions at the end of the presentation. Community members are asked to email their questions ahead of time to [email protected] so staff have time to gather any necessary data to answer questions.

###

For further information regarding the Library change of hours and upcoming General Fund budget impacts, please contact Communications Officer Crystal King at [email protected] .