Central National Bank will close two Lawrence branches by early next year in response to changing banking habits by customers.

The bank confirmed that it plans to close its branch locations at 800 Massachusetts Street and 2321 Harper Street in the first quarter of 2012.

“We have seen increased usage of mobile banking and Internet banking in recent years,” said Charles Derby, local president for Central National Bank. “As technology has evolved, there is much less need for brick and mortar facilities.”

Derby said the two branches in Lawrence employ about 12 people, but bank leaders “hope to retain affected personnel through relocation to other branches or departments.”

Central will continue to operate four branch locations in Lawrence — 3140 Nieder Road, 711 Wakarusa Drive, 603 W. Ninth and 3300 Iowa.

Derby also confirmed that Central National Bank — which got its start in Junction City but now operates in about 22 Kansas and Nebraska communities — will close three other branches in other communities but did not provide additional details.

Derby said the decision to close the branches was done to achieve greater operational efficiencies and was not ordered by banking regulators.

“It was entirely management’s decision,” Derby said. “We’re in excellent financial health.”

The bank has about $849 million in assets.