Cash-strapped Hammond to close two remaining library branches

HAMMOND, Ind. — A northern Indiana city is closing its two remaining library branches to deal with a more than $800,000 cash shortfall.

More than 70 people packed a community room at Hammond’s main library Tuesday to plead with the Hammond Public Library Board to keep the two branches open, saying children and adults use the branches’ computers, books and programs.

But the board voted to close the E.B. Hayward and Howard library branches as of Nov. 1.

The Times of Munster and the Post-Tribune of Merrillville report that closing the two branches will save the city about $500,000. Property tax caps and other factors are forcing library officials to cut $801,000 from their 2011 budget alone.

Seven employees who worked at the two branches will be transferred to the city’s main library.