County Council budget allowances will permit the the downtown branch of Wicomico Public Library to remain open on Sundays throughout the school year.

Beginning Sept. 7 and continuing through May 17, the library will be open Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The library’s elimination of Sunday hours last year was decried publicly. Sundays was cited as an important family day for library attendance and participation.

These new hours are in addition to the Sunday hours at the Centre Branch, which is open 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., year-round.

“We are thrilled to be able to open the Downtown Library on Sundays,” said Executive Director Andrea Berstler. “This has been an ongoing request from the community since budget cuts forced the Library to reduce hours in 2009.

“We appreciate the support of the County Executive, Rick Pollitt,” said Berstler. “His recommendation to the County Council that these hours needed to be restored demonstrates his understanding that the Library is a vital service in our community. County Council’s actions in keeping this recommendation in the budget means that we can be more accessible to our community.”

Wicomico Public Library has locations in Downtown Salisbury, the Centre at Salisbury, in Pittsville, and the Library Bookmobile.

For more information on Wicomico Public Library’s upcoming events or available services, please visit WicomicoLibrary.org.