Reductions in the operating hours for Cobb County's 17 public libraries that were announced last week go into effect today. For Marietta Patch patrons, that means changes in the hours of the central library and the Hattie G. Wilson, East Marietta and Kemp Memorial branches.

Since the libraries are not open on Sunday, the first day for them to operate on the new hours will actually be Monday.

Last month, Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee proposed to close 13 out of the 17 public libraries to help close a $31 million deficit for the county. After thousands of emails from residents and a silent protest supporting the libraries, Lee came up with an alternative deficit plan, which includes a 10 percent cut across-the-board in all government departments, and without a tax increase. 

Library officials announced the new schedules last week, most notably closing all libraries on Sunday to save operating costs.

The new hours for the central library and regional branches will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

For East Marietta and Kemp Memorial, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. For Hattie G. Wilson, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Find the new schedules for all Cobb libraries here.