Please continue support for Chapel Hill Public Library
Nicole Russell
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed phase-out of funding for Chapel Hill Public Library and strongly urge you to vote to continue to fund the library.
Chapel Hill Public Library (CHPL) is so special; it feels like a magical place to my children and me. It’s this “magic” that draws us to CHPL again and again—usually every week, but often multiple times a week. We are very fortunate and grateful to have multiple libraries from which to choose, but we rarely visit those other libraries. CHPL is the library my children (and I!) want to go to again and again.
· I can’t stress enough the joy CHPL brings to my children and me—they break into a run when we get into the family section, eager to discover which books are available this visit.
· I can’t stress enough the value this joy provides to them in terms of continuing not just their ability to read but also continuing to foster their deep love of reading.
· I can’t stress enough the value this library provides to me as a parent to be able to have a free/low-cost option for activities I can do with my children and a place of access to books, DVDs and other resources, including the incredible Pritchard Park behind the library that we love to visit.
Other libraries exist, yes, and other libraries could be built, but it would be rare for them to feel as special as CHPL does, as magical as it does. Luckily, we don’t have to find out if the CHPL magic can be recreated because it still exists right now. Please help us keep this magic alive; please help us keep this joy alive.
Thank you very much for your time and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Nicole Russell
Chapel Hill
Wil Glenn
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for sharing your perspectives regarding the county budget and the proposed phased reduction of funding for the Chapel Hill 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.
For more information, view the link below that includes key facts about the recommended library funding transition:
The budget schedule includes Public Hearings on May 12 and May 28, as well as Budget Work Sessions on May 14, May 21, May 26, and June 4. These meetings, along with the BOCC’s regular business meetings, provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the county’s budget priorities and decision-making process.
In addition, Budget Information Sessions will be held on May 14, May 20 (virtual: https://orangecountync.gov/BudgetSession), and May 21. These sessions allow residents to ask questions of budget staff, learn more about the recommended budget, and share their perspectives.
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: Nicole Russell <nicole.r...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 6:19 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Please continue support for Chapel Hill Public Library
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