HPL eXTRA
Hammond Public Library
Hammond Public Library News

 

Vol. 10:20   October 7, 2011  

Greetings!   

 

The Hammond Public Library Board of Trustees voted to close both its E. B. Hayward and Howard branches as of November 1, 2011. This decision was difficult, yet necessary, due to declining property tax revenues, as well as an increase in the percentage of uncollectable property taxes. Property taxes are the Library's largest source of operating revenues.

  

Three factors have impacted library revenue:

  • Reductions in collections due to Circuit Breaker legislation, which was voter-mandated.
  • Due to the instability of the economy, homeowners have found it increasingly difficult to pay their property taxes, thus the percentage of uncollected taxes increased.
  • Because Lake County has not adopted a local option income tax, state legislators have imposed a levy freeze on Lake County's taxing units. 

The library's advertised budget for 2012 is $4,804,717. Property taxes account for about 93% of the total revenue, or $3,514,095. As the full impact of declining property tax revenues became apparent later in 2010, the need to hold down spending became more urgent as the Circuit Breaker's caps expanded and began to cut deeper into operating funds.

The Indiana Legislative Services Agency originally estimated that the library would lose $511,075 due to the Circuit Breaker cap.
However, at the end of July 2011, we were given a new, much higher estimated loss of $801,055. Revenue lost due to Circuit Breaker caps and to uncollectable taxes will total $1,207,565 in 2012, or about 33% of total library operating revenues. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

For the past several years, the Hammond Public Library Board has taken steps to hold down spending: leaving several full time key positions, as well as many part time positions, vacant (through attrition); freezing staff pay; reducing spending on supplies, subscriptions, and other library materials; and cutting spending in other areas of the budget.  

  

Because library operating revenues are likely to continue to drop in 2012, the Library Board must now consider taking even more steps to reduce spending, such as continuing to: cut personnel costs through future attrition, when possible (personnel costs represent the largest percentage of all operating costs);  reduce spending, where possible, on library materials; look for ways to save on employee benefit costs; and seek ways to reduce other areas of the operating budget.         

 

Main Library will continue to serve the residents of Hammond, as we have for 108 years.     

                

We will post additional information as it becomes available. For more information, contact Ren� L. Greenleaf, Hammond Public Library Director at (219) 931-5100, or by e-mail to [email protected]   
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In This Issue
Computer Classes
Teen Programs
Adult Programs
Friends news and Book Sale
Hours and Locations
 
Books to Bridge the Region, the 7-county "One Book" initiative, is in its fifth year. The 2011 theme is "Learning From the Past; Empowering Our Future," and the books have World War II as a theme.

 

Books to Bridge the Region presents these free public programs.
Visit www.books2bridge.org for details. 
 

"An Evening with the Tuskegee Airmen." 
 
Tues., Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary(in Bergland Auditorium in IUN's Savannah Center):  Meet and greet Tuskegee Airmen; hear their testimonials; enjoy music of the 1940s; see multimedia presentations about the Tuskegee Airmen; participate in a Q & A session. Refreshments are served. This literary experience was inspired by "Hart's War," the Adult Selection of Books to Bridge the Region 2011. Information is with the Gary Literacy Coalition at (219) 885-2229.Many thanks to the Gary Literacy Coalition, Methodist Hospitals, and Indiana University Northwest for coordinating this program.   

"Life in a Jar"
Tues., Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Purdue University Calumet, 2200 - 169th St., Hammond (in Alumni Hall on the 3rd floor of the Student Union and Library Building -
enter from 173rd Street)
  
   -OR -
Wed., Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 3100 Ivy Tech Dr., Valparaiso
East of State Road 49).
See this talented troup of young people as they perform the story of Irena Sendler, whose actions saved 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust.

 

Computer Classes

in the Main Library Computer Lab. Classes are free;   
 
registration is required at (219) 931-5100, Ext. 345

http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/computerclasses.htm 

Do you know someone who could benefit
from a free 1-hour computer class? Pass the word!
 

 

Mouse Basics

Learn to use the computer mouse, menus and forms.

Mon., Oct. 10 at 11 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.   

 

E-mail Basics 

Instruction for sending, receiving and organizing e-mail.

Familiarity with keyboard and mouse required. 

Tues., Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. 

Mon., Oct. 31 at 11 a.m.  

 

Internet Fundamentals
 Instruction on using Internet Explorer and visiting web sites.

Familiarity with keyboard and mouse required.  

Mon., Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. 

Mon., Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. 

 

Word 2007 Basic  
Instruction on using Word's basic functions.

Familiarity with keyboard and mouse required.  

Mon., Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. 

 

 

 Programs for Teens

(219) 931-5100, Ext. 351

http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/teenprograms.htm 

 

Teen Scene, the space for teens, is on the second floor at Main Library.
Want to join Teen Scene? Bring in something from school
(class schedule, report card, etc.) that shows you're in 7th - 12th grades.  

 

Teen Scene hours:

Monday - Thursday, 3 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

 

Teen Make-Your-Own Magnets
Decorate your locker with colorful magnets you make yourself! 
 
Thurs., Oct. 13 at 3:30 p.m., E. B. Hayward Branch

 

Celebrate Teen Read Week @ your library!

Teen Movie: I Am Number Four. 
Tuesday, October 18 6:30 pm. Main Library 

Free popcorn while supplies last.

 

Teen Make-Your-Own Magnets

Thurs., Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m., Teen Scene, Main Library 

 
Programs For Adults (219) 931-5100, Ext. 310
 http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/adultprograms.htm
  

      

Welcome to the World of Music
Mon., Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 6 p.m., Howard Branch
Florian Bolsega leads this series. Please bring a pencil
and paper to each session.    

 

Discussion: Novel Conversations  
Mon., Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m., Main Library

Discuss Blessed is the Busybody by Emilie Richards.   
 
For details, call 219-931-5100, Ext. 350.

 

 E. B. Hayward Branch Discussion: World War II 

Fri., Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - As London is emerging from the shadow of World War II, writer Juliet Ashton discovers her next subject in a book club on Guernsey--a club born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi after its members are discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island.


Fri., Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.: The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman - True story of the Zabinskis who managed the Warsaw Zoo during World War II, and utilized it to save not only many animals, but hundreds of Jews.

 

Alzheimer's Association
 
Reservations are encouraged as seating is limited. Attend one or more programs. To reserve your space, or for additional information, please view www.alz.org/indiana or call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

  • Thurs., Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m., Main Library - Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: The Basics - This program provides descriptions of the various causes of dementia and the difference between typical aging and problematic memory changes. How Alzheimer's affects the brain, causes and risk factors and information on obtaining a diagnosis will also be covered.  
Friends of the Library - Hammond Historical Society Joint Meeting
Again this year, the Friends and the Historical Society conduct a joint meeting
on Sat., Nov. 19 at Main Library. Hear Rebecca Hunter speak on "Mail Order Houses."
Many of you are familiar with Sears homes, but there were several other companies
as well that provided "kit homes." Hammond has many such homes - do you live in a
kit home? How can you tell? Join us for this informative talk.
 

  

Programs for Youth 

A complete list of programs is at http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/kidprograms.htm

Please see each program for a description and for age levels. 

  

Any outside organizations that are interested in bringing a group
of 10 or more children, please contact Main Library to set up a visit
for a program. Contact Head of Youth Services, Melody Scott at
(219) 931-5100, Ext. 330.

 

Programs begin promptly at the time listed below. If you are   

running late, please join us for the next program time.    

  

Babies and Books (For infants and parents/caregivers)
 
Thurs., Oct. 13, 20, & 27 at 10 a.m., Howard Branch  

 

Tiny Tots Toddler Time (For busy walking toddlers)
Fri., Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m., E. B. Hayward Branch
 
Thurs., Oct. 13, 20, & 27 at 10:30 a.m., Howard Branch  

 

Little Listeners (Story time for 3-5 year olds)
Wed.,
Oct. 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m., E. B. Hayward Branch     
Thurs., Oct. 13, 20, & 27 at 11 a.m., Howard Branch  

 ________________________________________________

 

ALL AGES / FAMILY PROGRAMS 

  

Movie Monday (all ages)

Mon., Oct. 10 at 3:30 p.m., E. B. Hayward Branch:

"The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad."

 

Family Night (Fun for the entire family)
Tues., Oct. 18 at 6 p.m., Howard Branch

"Just a Little Scary Fun"


_________________________________________________
 

SCHOOL- AGE (Kindergarten through Grade 6)


 

Pumpkin Painting

Come join us for painting a mini pumpkin just in time for Halloween!

Tues., Oct. 25 at 3:45 p.m., Main Library

 

Campfire Stories

Feel free to bring a flashlight to use during the program.

Tues., Oct. 25 at 6 p.m., E. B. Hayward

 

Fall Break Open Art Studio (Drop In)

Thurs., Oct. 27 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., E. B. Hayward

 

Fall Break Movie

Fri., Oct. 28 at 1 p.m., E. B. Hayward Branch

__________________________________________
 

KIDS CAN 2! (Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade)  

 

Kids Can 2 - Books 2 Movies

Thurs., Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m., E. B. Hayward Branch 

_________________________________________
 

TWEEN (Students in Grades 3 through 6) 

 

'Tween - Books 2 Movies

Tues., Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m., E. B. Hayward


 
 
 
 

Friends and Book Sale news

FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP: Join or renew membership in Friends of the Library
Membership envelopes may be found at any HPL location, or print out an application at:  http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/Friends_app.pdf  
The Friends are looking for new members.
 

_________________________________

ONGOING BOOK SALE
http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/friends.htm   

Main Library's Book Sale Room is open during library hours.
 

FRIENDS HALF PRICE BOOK SALE:
Sat., Oct. 29, Main Library    
 
*Excludes specially marked books and sets.  Are you a Friends member who would like to volunteer in the Book Sale Room
at Main Library? Please call 219-931-5100, Ext. 356 and leave a message.
  
  

 

DONATIONS WELCOMED: The Friends accept gently used books, magazines, records and cassettes. You may bring items to any HPL location.
Picture of library

Hours and Locations


For a map in PDF format, go to:  http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/Locations%20map.pdf

______________________________________________

MAIN LIBRARY, 564 State St.  (Parking lot at Sibley and Sohl); (219) 931-5100

Main Library hours:  Monday through Thursday:  9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday:   Main Library is closed on Sundays.

Suzanne G. Long Local History Room: 219-931-5100, Ext. 306
(2nd flr, Main) 
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
Closed Sunday and Monday
Click
here for information about our obituary databases.

Teen Scene Hours 

 Monday-Thursday, 3 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

______________________________________________
            (Note: these locations will close as of Nov. 1:)


E. B. HAYWARD BRANCH, 1212 - 172nd St.
(172nd and Columbia Ave); (219) 844-2668
HOWARD BRANCH, 7047 Grand Ave. (south of Morton High School); (219) 844-1622

 

Branch hours:  Monday and Tuesday: 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
 

 


Thank you for using the Hammond Public Library. We appreciate your support.

 

Sincerely,

Hammond Public Library Newsletter Staff