“It is clear that citizens in our community want their libraries open the shelves filled,” city librarian Marcellus Turner said after Seattle voters approved a seven-year, $122 million levy by 62 percent in the August 2012 primary election.

Now turning the page into 2013, the payoff begins with Seattle Public Library announcing Sunday hours at all branches throughout the year.

Eleven branches already had Sunday hours (from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), but the levy will allow SPL to open an additional 15, including the High Point Branch (3411 S.W. Raymond St.) and Delridge Branch (5423 Delridge Way S.W.) in West Seattle.

“At community meetings and through patron surveys, we heard that Sunday hours were important,” Turner said of the announcement. “Particularly for families, working people and students, having library service available in every neighborhood on Sunday will be a huge benefit.”

In celebration, SPL plans to hold parties at branches with newly extended hours from January to May (with children's craft activities and refreshments). Parties are from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at the High Point Branch on Jan. 13 and the Delridge Branch on May 5. (More dates for other branches can be found here).

SPL branches will have Sunday Survey cards at all locations and encourage patrons to fill one out to let them know what kinds of activities and services they would like to see on Sundays.

SPL is also starting up a “Check-Out Challenge” to celebrate. Here are the details:

Patrons can get a free Check-Out Challenge card in a keepsake sleeve at any Library location from mid-December (2012) on. To participate in the Challenge, patrons just need to visit any location of The Seattle Public Library on Sunday and get their card stamped before they leave. Patrons with 15 stamps can enter a prize drawing. Patrons who attend Sunday Branch Celebrations also receive commemorative stickers for their Check Out Cards.

Prizes include Booklovers Baskets and lunch with City Librarian Marcellus Turner. Drawings will take place in May. Patrons do not need to be present at the drawings to win prizes.

For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636.

Additionally, SPL rings in the New Year with five new library cards. From SPL:

Beginning in January, the Library also will unveil five new Library cards. Four feature photographs of iconic Seattle sites: the Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Mount Rainier and Central Library. A special card for children was also designed. The Library will continue offering its current "classic card," which features the Library logo. Patrons can replace their current card for a new one in 2013 without a charge.

"We are excited to offer new cards that reflect some of our local history and culture," Turner said. "They also emphasize our special focus on imagination, opportunity, discovery, community and fun."

"We are delighted to be part of the new Library card program," said Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority. "We're thrilled that the Pike Place Market is being recognized as a significant member of the Seattle community."

"We're honored for Mount Rainier to be part of The Seattle Public Library's celebration of Seattle icons," said Randy King, superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. "Both the park and the Library are rich resources for our region, and it is a privilege to partner with one of the nation's leading libraries."