As winter pulls us deeper into her cloak and we lean expectantly toward a new year, we can see many changes coming. One such change that will provide us with additional time to bask in the warmth of books, is the announcement of expanded days and hours for Buncombe County Libraries.
As of January 2, 2026, Buncombe County Public Libraries will add an additional 36 operating hours across its system. The library system has been operating on a reduced schedule as part of the emergency response to Helene.
Buncombe County’s Library Administration has been working diligently to fill positions and develop a new schedule that expands public access while ensuring operations remain effective.
These changes include opening at 9a to provide greater accessibility. They are also adjusting some evening hours to close at 7p. The downtown Pack Memorial Library will now be open from Monday-Friday and will include three late evenings per week.
According to Jason Hyatt, Library Director, “We look forward to providing greater access to our resources, programs, collections, and facilities starting in January.”
Reminder: Bookends Used Bookstore, located inside Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville, is open during library hours.
The new schedule for all branch libraries is:
Pack Memorial Library:
Open: Mon, Tues & Wed from 9a – 7p; Thurs & Fri: 9a – 5p
Closed: Sat & Sun
East Asheville, Enka-Candler, North Asheville, S Buncombe-Skyland & West Asheville Libraries:
Open: Tues from 9a – 7p; Wed & Thurs from 9a – 6p; Fri & Sat from 9a – 5p
Closed: Sun & Mon
Black Mountain, Fairview, Leicester & Weaverville Libraries:
Open: Tues and Wed from 9a – 6p; Thurs from 9a – 7p; Fri & Sat from 9a – 5p
Closed: Sun & Mon
Oakley-South Asheville & Swannanoa Libraries:
Open: Tues, Wed & Thurs from 9a – 6p; Fri & Sat from 9a – 5p
Closed: Sun & Mon
As a reminder, the digital library is available 24/7.
Friends of Pack Library 