Four years after the national recession and a lack of city funds closed them, the downtown Central Library and eight branches of Los Angeles’ city library system will resume Sunday service this weekend.

“Libraries play a critical role in our neighborhoods and our economy,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “By reopening our libraries on Sundays, we reopen the doors of opportunity for thousands of children and families who look to their local library as a place for learning, safety and community.”

In 2009, the city closed the libraries on Sundays and limited other hours in a cost-cutting move because of the U.S. economy’s impact on local revenues.

Voters in 2011 approved Measure L, which guaranteed a portion of property-tax revenue will be assigned to libraries, allowing for the restoration of hours. The return of Sunday service is coming one year earlier than expected.

“Reopening on Sundays has been a top priority because it’s one of the most popular days for families to visit the library,” Chief Librarian John Szabo said.

“Having libraries open on Sundays makes it more convenient to visit the library and get homework help, join a computer class, search for a job, user our health, citizenship and money-management resources and participate in our many other terrific programs.

Sunday hours of operation will be 1-5 p.m.

In addition to the Central Library at 630 W. 5th St., libraries to be open are Mid-Valley, 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills; West Valley, 19036 Vanowen St., Reseda; North Hollywood, 5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood; West Los Angeles, 11360 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; San Pedro, 931 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro; Exposition Park, 3900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles; Goldwyn-Hollywood, 1623 Ivar Ave., Hollywood; and Arroyo Seco, 6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

The city library system, which includes the Central Library and 72 branches, has more than 6 million books. It can be accessed via the Internet at www.lapl.org.