Please Don't Cut the Orange County Public Library Budget!

[Marion Jackson]

Attention: Orange County Commissioners: Please do not reduce the Orange County Public Library’s budget by $322,000 through the proposed amendments. Retain its full budget request.

The proposed cuts may result in shuttering the library for two days a week. At a time of record-high usage, how does an outcome like this make sense? Our growing community relies on the Orange County Public Library to be there for them. It is the heart of our community. One of the things that makes Orange County stand out in the State is its great public libraries and library services. Orange County has always prided itself on providing flexible weekday and weekend hours at its libraries so services are regularly and consistently available to its residents and others in the surrounding areas.  

The library has protected these hours to support the education of both children and adults and to offer a safe haven for all those who may need one. Staff, computers, study rooms and library materials are available seven days a week to support everyone including working adults and children in school. Serving as a critical cooling and heating center during the year, the library also helps community members stay healthy and safe year-round.

The effects of these cuts to the library’s budget cascade down from closures to cuts in temporary staffing, a smaller collection of books and other materials for the public, and fewer programs being offered. So the 10 percent cut that may look modest on paper rips away the achievements Orange County has made in improved library services over the past decades and puts all of us on a less optimistic path forward.

Thank you for your consideration,

Marion Jackson

    

[Wil Glenn]

Hello Marion,

 

Thank you for sharing your perspectives regarding the county budget and the Orange County Public Library.

 

The Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) will receive and consider your feedback as part of the ongoing budget process. Public input is an important part of these discussions, and your engagement is appreciated.

 

The scheduled public hearings and information sessions have concluded, however there is a Budget Work Session on June 4 where commissioners will discuss and vote on amendments to the County Manager’s Recommended Budget.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to participate in the process.

 

 

Wil Glenn

Community Relations Director

Orange County Government
Office Phone: 919.245.2302

Mobile Phone: 919.430.4900

Email: wgl...@orangecountync.gov

 

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From: Marion Jackson <marionjac...@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 4:56 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Please Don't Cut the Orange County Public Library Budget!

 

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