Overview
| Holiday | Date | Most Libraries |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | CLOSED |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 20 | Limited Hours |
| Presidents' Day | February 17 | Limited Hours |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 | CLOSED |
| Memorial Day | May 26 | CLOSED |
| Independence Day | July 4 | CLOSED |
| Labor Day | September 1 | CLOSED |
| Columbus Day | October 13 | Limited Hours |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Limited Hours |
| Thanksgiving | November 27 | CLOSED |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Early Close |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | CLOSED |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Early Close |
Library closures vary by country
Library closures vary by country. Check specific city pages for local holiday schedules:
- UK Library Holidays - Bank holidays, Christmas
- France Library Holidays - National holidays
- Japan Library Holidays - Golden Week, New Year
- Australia Library Holidays - Australia Day, ANZAC Day
Frequently Asked Questions
Most public libraries are closed on Christmas Day (December 25)
Most public libraries are closed on Christmas Day (December 25). Some university libraries may have limited hours for students.
Most libraries are closed on New Year's Day (January 1)
Most libraries are closed on New Year's Day (January 1). Hours typically resume on January 2.
Resource Details
Libraries typically close on: Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Resource Details
Yes, university libraries often have extended hours during finals and may remain open during some holidays for student access.
About This Service
Library holiday schedules are set by each library system's board of trustees or governing body, typically at the beginning of their fiscal year. Most US public libraries follow a similar pattern for federal holidays, but individual branch closures can vary significantly based on local government policies, staffing, and community needs.
Resource Details
All public libraries close on the six major federal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. For other holidays like Presidents' Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day, policies differ by system. Large urban systems like NYPL and Chicago Public Library tend to stay open with reduced hours on these "minor" holidays, while smaller suburban and rural libraries are more likely to close entirely.
Resource Details
During holiday weeks (especially Thanksgiving week and the week between Christmas and New Year's), many libraries operate on modified schedules even on non-holiday days. Common adjustments include:
- Christmas Eve / New Year's Eve: Early closure, typically by 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM
- Day after Thanksgiving: About 60% of libraries remain closed; the rest open with reduced hours
- Week of December 26-30: Most libraries reopen but may run shortened schedules (10 AM - 5 PM)
- Spring Break: University libraries reduce hours significantly; public libraries usually maintain normal schedules
Resource Details
Academic library holiday schedules differ substantially from public libraries. Most university libraries follow the academic calendar rather than federal holidays. During finals week (typically early-to-mid December and late April/early May), many university libraries extend to 24/7 access. Between semesters, hours are significantly reduced - often opening only 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays with weekend closures.
Libby App
Even when physical library buildings are closed, digital resources remain available 24/7. Cardholders can access e-books through Libby and OverDrive, stream films on Kanopy, borrow audiobooks on Hoopla, and use research databases from home. If you need library resources on a holiday, check your library's digital catalog first - most services require only a valid library card number to log in.
Overview
| Library System | Total Closures/Year | Early Close Days | Holiday Week Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Public Library (92 branches) | 6 days | 2 days | Open Dec 26-30 with normal hours |
| Los Angeles Public Library (73 branches) | 7 days | 2 days | Reduced hours Dec 26-30 |
| Chicago Public Library (81 branches) | 6 days | 3 days | Open Dec 26-30, some branches closed |
| Houston Public Library (35 branches) | 8 days | 2 days | Central open, branches vary |
| Brooklyn Public Library (61 branches) | 6 days | 2 days | Open Dec 26-30 with normal hours |
Note: Policies are based on 2026 schedules and may change. Always verify with your local branch before visiting on or near holidays.
Search for specific library hours in your city:
Search for specific library hours in your city: