Mercer Island Library is adding a new chapter to its story with Sunday hours on the way.

The library will launch its seven-day service on Oct. 19 with a free, in-person Check Out Sundays event marking the occasion with speeches, music, storytelling, refreshments and giveaways. Sunday hours starting that day will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beginning at noon on Oct. 19, Mercer Island Mayor Salim Nice and King County Library System Executive Director Heidi Daniel will kick off the family-friendly community welcome party with opening remarks.

Following the speeches, Nancy Stewart will bring a musical touch to the event with an E-I-E-I-Oink! interactive family concert from 1-2 p.m.; and professional storyteller Larry Hohm will dig into Chilling Tales at the Mercer Island Library, which is designed for adults and teens, from 3-5:15 p.m. To request accommodations for people with disabilities, email access@kcls.org at least seven days before the event.

According to the King County Library System (KCLS), ample community feedback for expanded access with support from civic and community leaders has brought Sunday hours to the Island library, located at 4400 88th Ave. SE. Currently, library hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

In August, KCLS announced forthcoming Sunday hours for Mercer Island’s library, and noted that Vashon’s library would open Sundays starting on Aug. 24. KCLS added Sunday hours at the Sammamish Library in April.

KCLS said in a press release that in addition to community feedback, “Mercer Island serves large populations of Jewish and Muslim patrons, some of whom can’t easily visit their library during other days of the week due to religious reasons.”

Mayor Nice added: “Our community expressed the need for more access to our library’s resources, programs, and welcoming spaces. Expanding the Mercer Island Library’s hours is a direct response to that need, ensuring that the library continues to serve as a vibrant hub for learning and connection.”

Daniel said the change is “about creating more opportunities for people to connect with one another, access vital resources, and feel a deeper sense of belonging in their library.”

For more information about Mercer Island’s library hours, events and services, visit https://kcls.org/locations/mercer-island/