JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville book lovers recently got some bad news as the continuing story of the city's budget bind takes a bite out of local libraries.

In response to the 2007-2008 budget cuts, the library will cut nearly $3 million by reducing services and programs.

Last week, Mayor John Peyton pointed in his inauguration speech about how important literacy is to youth.

"Literacy is the No. 1 predictor of educational success," Peyton said.

Nonetheless, the mayor's office this week decided to cut $2.7 million from the library budget.

Library patron Trena Myers and her son Ashton said the library is an important part of their lives. When they learned the city was cutting back hours and closing branch libraries on Sundays and Mondays, they said it would be families that lose.

"It's a great and excellent resource, so cutting back the hours will be a detriment to a lot of families," said Myers.

The most noticeable change will be library hours. All branch libraries will be closed on Sundays with the exception of the Main Library downtown. Four regional libraries, two on the east/south side and two on the north/west side, will remain open on Sundays during the school year.

On Mondays, the regional branches will close, leaving only the Main Library open. The branch libraries will operate Tuesday through Saturday.

Officials are also expected to change the hours when the libraries will be open. Some small branch libraries will open later in the day and extend evening services hours to 9 p.m.

The cut also includes a $500,000 reduction for new books and materials, like DVDs and CDs.

"There are other cuts around the edges, staff cuts and the material budget cut is substantial. There will be less services personnel at some libraries. All in all, not a happy story," said Mayor's Office spokeswoman Susie Wiles.

Last year, the library took big cuts as well, and the latest rounds are already upsetting some patrons.

Some library patrons said the changes are what can be expected with budget cuts, and they will make it work.

"Well, I worry about the purchase of new books, so we continue and we can supply books for book club. We have 32 members. I think we can adjust to closing one day a week. I am a grateful of the library in general," said Clara LeBlanc.