The Kent Main Campus Library has postponed plans to extend hours for this semester in anticipation of the state budget cuts.

“We’re being very cautious how we proceed,” said James Bracken, dean of University Libraries.

The library had plans to be open 24 hours a day Monday through Friday this semester to better fit the needs of the students. However, the current library hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays.

Kendra Eustache, sophomore exploratory major, said she would have used the library had it been open later. “I often stay up late to get stuff done,” she said. “I would use it a lot because I’m more productive at the library, plus it’s quiet.”

Last semester, students requested to extend the library hours. “We’re absolutely flattered that students want to use our facilities,” Bracken said. “We’re excited students want to be here.”

Bracken didn’t have an estimated time when the library will stay open 24 hours but remains optimistic. “We are hopeful we can accomplish this,” he said. “It will be put in place at the right time.”

Lauren Kutik, a graduate student of library and communications studies, works at the reference desk on the main floor of the library. The new hours wouldn’t have affected Kutik’s position, but she said it was a great idea and would be a great addition to the library program.

The extended hours would have put Kent State’s library on the same schedule as libraries at Miami University, University of Toledo and Ohio University. Ohio State University ‘s library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact Cassandra Beck at [email protected].