Wake libraries to extend hours starting next month

Wake County Public Libraries will be expanding its public hours starting Sept. 2 after cutting them back a few years ago because of budget cuts.

It's not a huge change. Officials are adding an hour to Saturday hours at its larger regional libraries. (I can't tell you how many times I've stopped by my local regional library at 5:30 p.m. only to find it closed). Community libraries will be open an hour later Monday through Thursday and Saturday.

So here's the new schedule: 

Regional libraries will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

Community libraries will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and closed Sundays. 

Communities libraries are Cary Library, Duraleigh Road, Green Road, Holly Springs, Leesville, Richard B. Harrison, Southgate, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon.

The Fuquay-Varina library is closed for renovations and will reopen at the end of September with new hours. Specialty libraries - Athens Drive, the Express Library on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh and the Olivia Raney Local History Library will keep the same hours of operation.