Maywood Library Closes Amid Financial Issues

The Maywood Library, considered a safe haven for many area residents, shut its doors indefinitely Saturday as the library faces thousands of dollars in debt.

The library board says it needs more than $800,000 over the next four years to get out of debt and officials claim they had no choice but to close.

“We are also sandwiched in with the difficulty of trying to collect money from the many foreclosed homes that are here," said Library Director Stan Huntington.

Residents say the community needs the library and they hope it reopens soon.

“We don’t have many resources in Maywood and this is one of the best things we do have,” said resident Isaiah Brandon.

It's heavy news for 16-year-old Rayquan Jones, who claims the library is his second home.

“I'm here every day except for Friday,” he said. “I'm going to have to find somewhere else to go.”

The library board said they are actively pursuing options for funding and they hope to someday reopen.

Community members can still drop off their books as usual, but patrons are being told to visit sister library in Broadview, Bellwood, and Oak Park.
 

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