POULSBO — Kitsap Regional Library’s Poulsbo branch will close on Sundays beginning Feb. 6.

The library district announced Tuesday it will cut Sunday hours at its four largest branches as part of a budget cut package for 2011.

The Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard and Sylvan Way branches currently open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. All other branches are closed Sundays.

By cutting Sunday hours, the district can avoid replacing staff members who recently retired or resigned, or may leave in 2011, according to a statement from the library district. The district will save about $100,000 through staff attrition in 2011 and doesn’t expect to lay off any employees.

“This is a very painful decision, but a move we have to make to sustain the library system in the future,” said Kitsap Regional Library Director Jill Jean.

Library staff who work Sundays will be assigned to work on other days of the week, the statement said.

The library district is struggling to balance its budget after learning this fall its employee health insurance costs will rise by about $200,000 in 2011. A proposal to increase the library district’s levy failed in November 2010.