BOSTON, MASS.- The Boston Athenĉum will begin new, extended opening hours this fall, the Athenĉum announced today, adding hours on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings, as well as being open on five holidays which were previously closing days. Except for the summer months, the Athenĉum will be open to the public seven days a week.

The new hours apply to both Athenĉum members and visitors.

The first floor of the Athenĉum building, at 10 1/2 Beacon Street, Boston, will be open to the public during the new hours free of charge. Admission to exhibitions in the Norma Jean Calderwood Gallery will continue to be $5 for the public, free for members. The first-floor Newspaper Reading Room will continue to open, for members only, at 8:30 a.m., weekdays. Upper floors will continue to be open to members only except by guided tour.

The Athenĉum will also be open to the public on Martin Luther King Day, Patriots’ Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, and on the day after Thanksgiving.

“These new, extended hours are part of our efforts to provide better service to our members and the public,” said Robert L. West, director of development, whose department oversees member services. “Our members and visitors have responded well to increased hours on weekday evenings and on Saturdays. A recent survey of our members and visitors indicated strong interest in having Sunday hours as well.

“In recent years, working and family schedules have changed dramatically. Institutions around Boston and elsewhere have made a concerted effort to be open when people are most able to visit them. I am pleased we are joining the group of Boston cultural institutions that are now open seven days in most weeks.”

The Athenĉum will use Sunday afternoons for special programming, including a public Open House on November 2 from noon until 4:00 p.m.