Funding for the Chapel Hill Library

[Emily Whitfield]

Dear Orange County Commissioners,

As a resident of Carrboro, 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.

The library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County. As parents to one, and soon to be two young children, the Chapel Hill Library has been a wonderful resource and community for me and my husband. We take our toddler to the Chapel Hill Library once a week on average and it makes such a difference in our daily lives to have a welcoming space for young families. We were very excited about the opening of the new library in Carrboro in the Drakeford Complex but we continue to frequent the Chapel Hill Library more often than the Drakeford Complex because it’s open for more hours on the weekend, has space for children, and has a larger catalogue of books for children and adults.

The proposed funding reduction of $621,323 (half during fiscal year 2027 and the remaining half at the beginning of fiscal year 2028) is 72% of the library’s total operating budget. This reduction would have a significant impact on library services, including hours, programs, and access to resources, especially for the 14,813 county residents like my family who, if funding were lost, would have to either pay for an account at Chapel Hill Public Library or lose access.

I respectfully ask that you reconsider this proposal and continue funding Chapel Hill Public Library. Investing in the Chapel Hill Public Library is an investment in education, economic opportunity, and the well-being of everyone in our county.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,

Emily Whitfield Stupak

103 John Martin Ct, Carrboro 

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Resident,

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:

https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38653/Chapel-Hill-Public-Library-Funding-Transition--Key-Facts

 

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: Emily Whitfield <whitfi...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 3:32 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for the Chapel Hill Library

 

CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Phish Alert Button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.

[Virginia]

Dear Commissioners,

First, thank you for your service. I realize that your work is challenging and multi-faceted. Your decisions have a wide ranging impact.

I ask you to please consider carefully any defunding of our Library, its resources and personnel. 

Our Library serves as a critical resource for children and adults in our community.

Personally, as a Literacy, Reading, and ESL Specialist, I can assure you that I rely on our Library and its systems for delivery of instruction, enrichment, and for growing literacy skills and developing independence in my students. I call upon its resources and staff weekly for advice, inspiration and guidance in my teaching.

I have over 30 years of experience. I serve challenged, and gifted students, and ESL learners K-adult. Yet, I could not do all this effectively without the full services of our fully funded Library. I now tutor independently in our community after many years in N.C. public schools, and in Orange Literacy.

I regret missing your first working meeting on this issue, and wanted to be sure to convey my thoughts and concerns.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Virginia Meldahl, M.Ed.

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Virginia,

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:

https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38653/Chapel-Hill-Public-Library-Funding-Transition--Key-Facts

 

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

 

Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: Virginia <rosamu...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:17 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for the Chapel Hill Library

 

CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Phish Alert Button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.

Dear Commissioners,