The Austin Public Library expanded its hours to be open on Sundays. The Sept. 11 announcement marks the first time the library has opened on Sundays since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. 

The decision came after the library was able to hire enough staff to run the buildings and put in place safety protocols to account for COVID-19, said Baylor Johnson, public information and marketing program manager for the Austin Public Library.

“The library is one of the few places that is truly open to the public,” Johnson said. “You don’t have to be there to buy something or to spend money to spend time indoors and have access to resources.”

Finance sophomore Zarek Merchant said he frequents the Austin Public Library as a way to separate his work and personal life from campus.

“(The Central Public Library location) has some really nice views and it’s a lot newer than a lot of the buildings on campus as well,” Merchant said. “(It’s) a nice, refreshing environment, especially when you spend your whole week on campus.”

Following the changes, the Austin Central Library, Austin History Center, Little Walnut Creek Branch, Manchaca Road Branch, Ruiz Branch and Spicewood Springs Branch will all be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and follow their regular schedule for all other days of the week.

“We see all sorts of people,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s students looking for a quiet place to study or get some work done … to the unhoused among our community who are looking for a place to get out of the summer heat or the winter cold — the library as a place is really unique in that it is a truly public place where everyone is welcome.”