On the first Sunday the larger full-service branches of the Metropolitan Library System were open, it came as a surprise to some longtime patrons.
Village Library Manager LaVetta Dent said customers weren’t exactly lining up at the door the first week.
“The first day, we didn’t have anyone walk in the door the first 20 minutes we were open,” Dent said. “Then someone came in, and three or four people followed them. They were out in the parking lot using the Wi-Fi and didn’t know we were actually open.”
Libraries began opening Sundays on May 13, the first time the system had done so in its existence. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Smaller extension branches are not open Sundays.
Capitol Hill manager Jana Hausburg said the goal of having branches open Sundays was to better serve visitors. After a slow start, the number of visitors has been picking up.
“That first day it was very quiet,” she said. “It has picked up since then. Our young people are starting to come in, and we’re seeing more people coming in after church. People seem to be making it a part of their weekend plans now.”
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