What's Open, What's Closed on Labor Day

September 3 is a federal, state, and local holiday in observance of Labor Day.

Just what the heck is Labor Day anyway? Well, it's a holiday borne out of labor strikes by Illinois railroad manufacturers in the 1890s. While the United States is the largest manufacturing country in the world (for now), Connecticut’s work force in this industry has shriveled by 45 percent since 1990, according to the Connecticut Labor Department.

This day off is intended for employees of all industries, but that isn't always the reality. State and local government offices are closed but some retail businesses are open:

• : Closed
• (all branches): Closed
• administrative offices: Closed
• : Parks are open, but pools have closed for the season. Cornerstone is closed, as is Veteran's Memorial Skating Rink.
• Banks: Closed, other than branches.
• Liquor stores: The state's new law allows package stores to be open on Labor Day if they choose. Grocery stores licensed to sell beer may now sell beer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Labor Day.
• U.S. Post Offices: Closed
• State Government Offices: Closed
• State courts: Closed
• Commuter trains such as Shore Line East and Metro North will run on a holiday/weekend schedule Monday
• The DMV is closed until Tuesday
• Connecticut Lottery Headquarters in Rocky Hill
• Connecticut Department of Labor TeleBenefits Call Centers: Closed for initial claims. Automated telephone and internet system for filing unemployment insurance continued claims will be available.
• Supermarkets: Most Open
• Retail stores: Most Open
• Children's Museum: Closed

Also, please note that West Hartford's will be delayed by one day this week.