After a seven-year hiatus, Sunday hours will resume at the Staunton Public Library at 1 p.m., Sept. 13. The Library will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. each following Sunday through May 22, 2016.
The Library was open on Sunday afternoons from September 1999 through May 2008, at which time they were discontinued because of budget constraints. City Council decided to restore funding for Sunday hours in the FY 2016 budget.
“Staunton is recovering from the Great Recession, and we’re restoring some of the services that we had to cut, as resources allow,” said Mayor Carolyn Dull. “We’re delighted to be able to fund Sunday hours at the Library again.”
Ruth Arnold, director of the Staunton Public Library, said: “Patrons have been asking about their return for years. It is a wonderful opportunity for busy families to take advantage of all the services the Library offers.”
Special programs for children and teens will be offered every second Sunday of the month starting September 13. Teens and tweens can participate in “Crafternoons” from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the young adult area. They may drop in to make the craft of the day or bring their own projects. At 3 p.m. families with children preschool age through first grade can attend “Second Sunday Fundays,” an opportunity to enjoy stories, crafts and activities.
The Library will continue regular, year-round hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Library staff will be available on Sundays as usual to assist patrons with their information needs.