HPL eXTRA
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] |
|
|
|
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. |
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 |
|
|
|
|