Nine Los Angeles libraries to resume Sunday hours

Outside Los Angeles' downtown Central Library, which will reopen on Sunday after years of being closed Sundays because of budget cuts.

By Jean Merl

Jan. 11, 2014 1:31 PM PT

Nine Los Angeles public libraries will once again open their doors on Sundays.

Following several years of budget-related closures, downtown’s Central Library and all eight regional libraries will now be open from 1 to 5 p.m., beginning this Sunday.

Celebrations are scheduled at each of the libraries, with Mayor Eric Garcetti and other civic leaders attending a ribbon cutting and special activities starting at 12:30 p.m.

FOR THE RECORD:
Library hours: A brief article in the Jan. 12 California section about nine Los Angeles public libraries opening on Sundays said all 64 branch libraries are open Mondays through Saturdays. The Robertson branch is closed on Saturdays and open the six other days of the week. —

The reopenings are made possible because of Measure L, approved by voters in 2011, which gives libraries a larger percentage of property tax dollars, officials said.

Services cut during years of lean budgets are gradually being restored as the funds become available, according to city Librarian John F. Szabo, who will join the mayor in the downtown celebration.

“Libraries play a critical role in our neighborhoods and our economy,” Garcetti said in a release. “By reopening our libraries on Sundays, we reopen the doors of opportunity for thousands of children and families who look to their local library as a place of learning, safety and community.”

Other local leaders will participate in simultaneous special activities at the regional libraries -- Arroyo Seco in Northeast Los Angeles, Goldwyn-Hollywood, Exposition Park, Mid-Valley, North Hollywood, San Pedro, West Los Angeles and West Valley -- officials said.

The other 64 branch libraries will remain open Monday through Saturday, officials said.

For more information, visit the library website.

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Twitter: @jeanmerl