In a move to help balance its budget, Kitsap Regional Library board voted to end Sunday hours at all branches.

The only Central Kitsap branch affected is the Sylvan Way branch.

The new hours take effect Feb. 6 and are expected to result in $100,000 savings through the end of 2011, according to a statement from the library district.

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

A levy proposal that would have allowed an expansion of hours and services and the replacement of three library branches was soundly rejected by voters in November 2010.

The Sunday closures will eliminate the need to replace staff members who have recently retired or resigned and who may leave the library during 2011 and will allow the system to avoid layoffs.