Tuscaloosa County Public Library members will continue to have access to Libby, an e-book and audiobook service featuring thousands of books and magazines, “until further notice,” according to a library official via Facebook.

“Our financial committee has been meeting and trying to find ways to continue offering Libby to our patrons. We haven’t received any updates on their findings, but Libby will remain live until further notice,” the library official said.

Due to a budget shortfall, the library board announced reduced programming via a press release in October. The Brown Branch on Bobby Miller Parkway will close in February 2024. This branch and the main library reduced operating hours this month.

The e-book and audiobook collection Overdrive/Libby, which has 40,000 digital titles, including 13,000 for Tuscaloosa City and County students, was set to be discontinued.

Other changes included reducing the purchasing of books by 15% and shortening the summer reading program from eight weeks to four weeks. TPL plans to purchase three book vending machines using American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The main library hours changed on Dec. 1 to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. The Brown Branch hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday through Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Weaver Bolden library hours will not change.