Hanna library branch closing, 19 public library workers cut

The Hanna branch of the LaPorte County Public Library System is closing to cover a $500,000 budget shortfall.

"We didn't have a lot of patrons down there," Library Board President Mike Essling said.

Essling said the shortfall was created from property tax collections being down from a bad economy.

Another reason for the Thursday night decision was the Hanna branch is in a rented facility while the library system owns most, if not all, of the buildings the other branches are housed in, Essling said.

Essling said the branch will close Dec. 16.

Additionally, 19 employees of the library system are also being laid off to cut expenses.