Expanded library hours announced last spring by Mayor Kevin Faulconer take effect Saturday across San Diego’s 36-branch system.

The expansion restores a series of cuts made during lean times and brings total library hours to their highest level since 2003, city officials said Friday.

Every branch will now be open at least 48 hours per week, up from 44, and many branches will get extended weekend hours that bring their weekly total to more than 55.

“We’re closing the book on the service cuts our library has faced over the years,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said Friday at the City Heights branch. “We’re starting a new chapter of opportunity for our city.”

Councilwoman Marti Emerald predicted the additional hours will make a big difference.

“Libraries change the lives and communities they serve,” she said.

Amy Valeiras, chair of the San Diego Library Foundation, hailed the move as part of new momentum that began a year ago with the opening of the $185 million downtown Central Library.

“We’re deeply grateful to the mayor and city council for their partnership in building a healthy library system that is seeing a major renaissance,” she said.

The weekly hours at the Central Library are increasing from 49 to 54. At 23 of the city’s 35 branch libraries, hours are jumping from 44 to 48.

At 12 other branches, weekly hours will climb to 55 and a half. Those branches are Carmel Valley, Mission Valley, North University, Otay Mesa, City Heights, La Jolla, Logan Heights, Mira Mesa, Pt. Loma, Rancho Bernardo, Serra Mesa and Valencia Park.

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The expansion will cost the city $1.4 million for an additional 16 employees. The city’s library budget this fiscal year is just over $45 million, up from $34.4 million four years ago.

The extra hours are expected to increase the number of people using the library, which was just under 5.8 million in fiscal year 2013.