The library is a place that helps people out beyond checking out books. The downtown Cedar Rapids Library is now open on Sundays for the first time in 2 years. Officials say it will provide a great service to the community.

Community Relations Manager Amber Mussman says, “People are coming in here every day to work on their resume, and fill out job applications. They're accessing benefits through the internet, they're connecting with family members across the world.” Officials says the library is the only place some people can go to get those types of resources.

The downtown library started closing on Sundays in 2016 after voters rejected a levy increase. The Ladd Library location near Westdale Mall also started closing on Saturdays at that time.

In February, the Cedar Rapids City Council approved spending $100,000 to help the library expand its hours.

Joshua Dunning came to the library to beat the heat. He says his

Sundays are now booked with the library being open on Sundays. He explains, "I'd rather go during the weekend then during the week. It's more convenient for me that way, Sundays are always free for me."

10-year-old Grace Hester says she loves going to the library. She says, "Because you can read lots of books and it's a super fun place."

All other hours will remain the same, making this the new schedule:

Downtown Library

Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm

Friday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm

Sunday: 1 – 5 pm

Ladd Library:

Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 8 pm

Friday: 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm