Sarah Negozio’s family walked out of the East Hills Library Sunday afternoon armed with a load of books.

Ms. Negozio said she couldn’t believe it was her final opportunity to use the facility on a Sunday, one of her favorite days to head to the library.

“I hope I remember it,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to affect us (her family) too much ... It’s unfortunate.”

The final Sunday of service for the library and the St. Joseph Public Library featured numerous computer users and others interested in researching genealogy or just checking out a favorite DVD. Library officials announced in mid-September that both branches will close Sundays as of Oct. 11 due to declining revenues, cash reserves and rising expenses.

The final Sunday didn’t stop people from coming in to use the libraries, according to staff members. The day has been one of the busier days due to its four-hour time slot in the afternoons. All computer stations were full at mid-afternoon.

“Every Sunday’s like this,” said Mark Zvolanek, library assistant at East Hills.

It was an identical story at the Downtown St. Joseph Library, where people have typically lined up outside to wait for the doors to open, said senior library assistant Maryann Knorr.

“That’s like the running of the bulls,” she said. “We’ve been very busy.”

Reference librarian Crystal Stuck said the computer users represent the walk-up traffic that frequents the Downtown branch.

“It’s just going to be a readjustment,” she said. “Today’s just like any other day.”

Sunday also featured numerous calls from patrons who asked whether the library was actually open, Ms. Knorr said.

“We’re trying to express to people ... we hope this is all,” she said of the decision to end Sunday hours.

Some patrons said they sympathize with library officials.

“It seems like it’s more convenient,” said Cynthia Keller, of DeKalb, Mo., who enjoys using the library’s Internet access for research. “I understand if they’re on budget.”

Ms. Keller said she plans to switch her library routine over to Mondays once the change takes effect.

David Swope, of Trimble, Mo., said he stops by the library on occasion and would switch over to another day.

“I think it’s probably a good idea if they cut costs,” he said.

The system’s Carnegie and Washington Park libraries aren’t open on Sundays.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.