SUGAR GROVE – Although it was quiet, the Sugar Grove Public Library was alive on the first Sunday of the year.

Books were spread out on tables, and a few clusters of patrons savored the opportunity to do something that hadn’t previously been possible: The library has, in the past, closed at 1 p.m. Saturdays and was closed Sundays and Mondays.

The ability to meet the availability needs of village residents has long been a complaint at the library. Expanded hours were launched this month, and although the turnout for the first Sunday wasn’t huge, those who were there said they were focused and productive.