The Jersey City Free Public Library is scaling back hours and closing most of its branches on Saturdays due to budget cuts, according to today’s Jersey Journal.

Library Director Priscilla Gardner says more service cuts could be in the offing pending possible further layoffs and furloughs, noting that a staff reduction plan submitted to the state Civil Service Commission awaits approval.

The city is expected to provide the library $6 million this year, down from $7.7 million last year.

The Main Library, at 472 Jersey Ave., which had been open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., is now closing at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The library will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Gardner said hours at other branches have been staggered to minimize the impact on library patrons. Those libraries will be closed on Saturdays with the exception of two Saturdays between now and the end of the year when each of the branches will be open.