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PhrasesAt the LibraryQuali sono gli orari della biblioteca?
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Quali sono gli orari della biblioteca?

What are the library's opening hours?

Pronunciation

Stress 'o-RA-ri'. 'Biblioteca' = bi-blio-TE-ca.

When to use it

Ask this at reception, by phone, or check the website to know when the library is open. Italian library hours often include a lunch closing ('chiusura pranzo').

What it means

'Orari' = hours/timetable (plural of 'orario'). Many Italian public libraries have reduced hours on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. Some close for lunch ('pausa pranzo'), typically 1–3pm. University libraries may have extended hours during exam periods.

Variations

La biblioteca è aperta il sabato?

Is the library open on Saturday?

Specific day query.

Chiudete per la pausa pranzo?

Do you close for the lunch break?

Common Italian closure.

A che ora chiude la biblioteca?

What time does the library close?

Closing time only.

Mini Dialogue

— Quali sono gli orari della biblioteca? — Dal lunedì al venerdì dalle nove alle diciannove. Il sabato dalle nove alle tredici. — Chiudete a pranzo? — No, il martedì e il giovedì rimaniamo aperti anche a pranzo.

— What are the library's opening hours? — Monday to Friday from nine to seven. Saturday from nine to one. — Do you close for lunch? — No, on Tuesday and Thursday we also stay open at lunch.

Cultural Note

Italian public library hours reflect Italian work culture. Many still observe a traditional lunch break, though this is changing. The campaign 'Biblioteche aperte' (Open Libraries) has pushed Italian municipalities to extend library hours, especially on weekday evenings, to accommodate working adults who cannot visit during office hours.