New Bethesda bank already cutting back hours

Is it the ongoing flight of the rich out of record-high-tax Montgomery County, our moribund County economy, or just too many banks in one area? Whatever the reason, the brand-new SunTrust branch in the Element 28 apartment building is already drastically reducing its business hours. The branch is entirely eliminating Saturday hours, and will now close at 3:00 PM on Mondays, instead of at 5:00 PM.

NEW HOURS AT BARNES & NOBLE SUGGEST BETHESDA TURNS IN EARLY (PHOTOS)

Montgomery County's "Nighttime Economy" initiative has stumbled again. Some elected officials have touted the efforts to get downtown Bethesda staying up all night, and becoming more "hip." But two years later, several of the most popular nightclubs have shuttered, including BlackFinn, Ri-Ra, and Relic Lounge. Meaning that downtown Bethesda actually has less nightlife than before the initiative launched.

Now popular Bethesda Row hangout Barnes & Noble is having second thoughts about late nights, as well.

Starting today, the bookstore is cutting back its closing time from 11:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Sunday and Friday-Saturday hours will remain the same, as on the now-outdated sign below. That means the store will still be open until 11:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Will the doors locking early make the small plaza less welcoming to people hanging out there at night? It seems whatever's been done so far to boost nightlife, it hasn't worked yet in Bethesda.

4935 BAR AND KITCHEN EXPANDS HOURS

4935 Bar and Kitchen on Cordell Avenue is expanding its hours of operation. While the new establishment has been open primarily Friday and Saturday nights since opening, the owners now want to serve weeknight diners, as well.

The restaurant will now be open for dinner every evening from Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5:00 PM.

The head chef is Ashish Alfred.

BETHESDA LIBRARY WILL HAVE NEW HOURS STARTING SEPTEMBER 16

Bethesda's downtown library on Arlington Road will have new hours, beginning September 16:

SUNDAY: 12-5 PM

MONDAY-THURSDAY:  9 AM - 9 PM

FRIDAY-SATURDAY:  10 AM - 6 PM