RIVERSIDE (Feb. 21, 2013) - The Annie Gabriel Library at California Baptist University is extending its hours of operation beginning Monday, Feb. 25, in response to a student petition.

 The petition garnered 300 signatures to extend library hours and to increase availability of classrooms for study groups.

 "I was so delighted when I found out that students were actually petitioning to have more time to study in the library!" said Dr. Jonathan Parker, CBU provost. "It shows that our students are serious about their studies and committed to excellence."

 The library is currently open from 7:45 to midnight Monday through Thursday; 7:45 to 5 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Sundays.

 The new hours are: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no change to Saturday times; and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.  During finals week, April 24-30, the library will remain open 24 hours a day.

 "The CBU library exists to help meet the research and information needs of our students, and we are pleased to be able to extend our hours of operation in response to their needs," said Dr. Steve Emerson, director of the library.