Oak Park Public Library is pleased to announce expanded hours at its Dole Branch Library (255 Augusta Street) and Maze Branch Library (845 Gunderson Avenue). Beginning in January 2012 both branches will be open Sundays 1 pm to 6 pm. Closing times Monday through Thursday will shift from 8 pm to 9 pm. Hours for the Main Library (834 Lake Street) remain unchanged.

“We know that people need us more during tough economic times – we see that with our increased usage,” explains Executive Director Deirdre Brennan. “Our careful stewardship has enabled us to add these much needed hours. Not all communities and libraries are so fortunate.”

“We heard the community when they asked us to return to the 9 pm closing time,” says Matthew Fruth, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “We know it’s difficult to get here after work and after dinner, and that extra hour can mean the difference in whether you visit the library. We, as a Board, wanted to make it easier for our users to have access to our materials, services, and facilities.”

 “Extending branch hours to be open on Sundays is especially important to families and individuals working on weekdays and nights,” adds Lori Pulliam, Branch Services Manager.

Oak Park Public Library offers job searching resources, entertainment and learning opportunities, and technology classes and continues to see increases in computer use and circulation of its collections.

The Library Board of Trustees voted for this change to branch hours at their regular October meeting. The 2012 library budget includes additional funds in the salary line to cover the expanded branch hours.

New Hours in 2012:

Dole Branch Library
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am - 9pm
Wednesday: 10am - 9pm
Thursday: 10am - 9pm
Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Maze Branch Library
Monday: 10am - 9pm
Tuesday: 10am - 9pm
Wednesday: 10am - 9pm
Thursday: 10am - 9pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Main Library hours remain the same:
Monday: 9am - 9pm
Tuesday: 9am - 9pm
Wednesday: 9am - 9pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 6pm

Oak Park Public Library is always open online at oppl.org, where you can check out great things to read, do research, talk to staff, and login to your account.