When it comes to libraries, commissioners in Washington County find themselves in a dilemma.

Because of harsh economic times, more people are visiting the county's libraries. Evidence is in circulation, which increased 10 percent the past year. But also because of that economy, commissioners say it's the wrong time to hire more staff for the nine beleaguered libraries.

As a result, commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to shift library hours and resources in favor of the county's five largest libraries, which account for 96 percent of the business. No libraries will close, but the smaller "boutique" libraries in Lakeland, Marine on St. Croix, Lake Elmo and Newport won't be open Saturdays.

Patricia Conley, the county librarian, showed commissioners a chart that compared staff positions in east-metro counties. Washington County has the equivalent of 65.9 full-time positions. Dakota County, with eight libraries and a bookmobile, has 148. Ramsey County, with seven libraries, has 104. And Anoka County, with eight libraries, has 100.8.

Under the new schedule, the largest libraries in Woodbury and Forest Lake will now open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, add another half-hour of service on Fridays and Saturdays, and remain open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

But Commissioner Gary Kriesel took exception to a reduction of hours at the Lakeland branch library, which he said already was hampered by county road construction.

"This is a tough one in that the library staff did exactly what we asked them to do, and I don't like the result," he said. Kriesel said he regretted that Lakeland residents wanting to use a library on Saturdays would have to drive to Stillwater or Woodbury. He cast the lone vote against the proposal, which Conley said directs more resources toward the busiest libraries without closing any.

Kriesel also asked why Conley made reference to "security concerns" at some libraries that are lightly staffed. "It's not exactly Fallujah out there," he told her.

Conley replied that patrons at libraries "sometimes act out" by screaming and fighting, and said her goal is for more librarians to mingle among patrons to prevent trouble.

Washington County's libraries are open about 18,000 hours a year, Conley said, but she said they are used "every hour of the day" by people who access collections electronically.

Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554