According to Kathleen Hirooka, community relations coordinator for the Oakland Public Library, libraries throughout Oakland will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Saturday. Plus, several branch libraries -- including those in Rockridge, Temescal and Dimond -- have boosted the number of evening hours.

The branch libraries will remain closed Sunday, but the main library will continue to be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Piedmont Avenue branch library will celebrate the expanded branch hours with musician Bonnie Lockhart at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 160 41st St.

The West Oakland branch will offer a program about the former Oakland Pullman and porters from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at 1801 Adeline St.

Many of the Oakland libraries closed their doors on Saturdays last year due to budget reductions.

Measure Q increased the library parcel tax from $36 to $75 per year. About 77 percent of Oakland residents voted in favor of the measure. Without Measure Q, Oakland libraries were facing a projected revenue shortfall of $1.1 million for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, according to a Hirooka.

In addition to the increased hours, Measure Q will restore and increase the library's materials budget, upgrade library technology and support more educational activities for local schools. It will also maintain the library's after-school homework program, the African American Museum and Library of Oakland, an adult-literacy program and teen services.

Reach Tricia Caspers at 510-748-1682 or## tcaspers@cctimes.com.