5 Library Branches to Increase Operating Hours

Sixteen Los Angeles city library branches, including five in the San Fernando Valley, will increase operating hours at night and during weekends, officials said.

More than 20 people have already been hired so that the Central Library, eight regional branches and seven community branches can add about 10 hours a week to their operating schedules beginning Oct. 25, City Librarian Susan Kent said.

“We have recently had a tremendous demand and heavy use of the library system,” Kent said this week. “People over the years have asked for us to be open more during the evenings and Saturday and Sunday.”

In all, one library in each City Council district will expand its hours, Kent said.

The Central Library downtown will increase its hours from 52 to 60 and continue to be open seven days a week, Kent said. The eight regional branches--including Mid-Valley in North Hills, North Hollywood and West Valley in Reseda--will boost hours from 48 a week to 60.

The Central and regional libraries will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, Kent said.

The seven community branches, including those in Pacoima and Sunland-Tujunga, will go from 40 to 52 hours per week, Kent said.

They will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. They will not be open Sundays.