The Hermiston Public Library recently turned the page with longer hours, which started earlier this week.

The library is now open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — an extra hour each evening. Library director Mark Rose said the change provides the public with an additional hour in the evening to hold classes, use library resources and peruse the collection and check out items.

The Friday/Saturday hours remain the same from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“To serve you better, we will be open more hours,” Rose said. “These new hours will help get a little more homework done, a bit more time to look for a job or housing, or to find the movie you’re been wanting to see.”

To help spread the word about the change, people are encouraged to enter “More Time for Books,” an online photo contest. To enter, visit the library’s Facebook or Instagram page and enter a photo that depicts where you would spend an extra hour a day reading books. Enter by Thursday, Sept. 12. An adult and teenager will both win an HP Chromebook. The winners will be announced Friday Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. To be eligible to win, the person must have a Hermiston library card or be eligible to sign up for one.

Also, on the horizon is the Friends of the Hermiston Public Library Annual Book Sale. It begins with a member’s only sale Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5-7 p.m. in the library’s Lanham Room. Memberships can be purchased at the door, starting at $5.

The event is open to the public Friday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And, the event concludes Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which features a Dollar a Bag Sale.

Also, the library is participating in Banned Book Week, which is Sept 22-28. The public is invited to stop by and view displays throughout the month and learn about books that have been targeted for removal or restricted in libraries and schools.

The Hermiston Public Library is located at 235 E. Gladys Ave. For more information about library programs, call 541-567-2882 or visit hermistonlibrary.us.