Chapel Hill Library Funding

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Johnson Family

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May 5, 2026, 8:22:01 PM (8 days ago) May 5
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov
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. 

I believe the library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County. My young children and I visit the library at least weekly, attending story time, taking out materials, and attending special programs. We also use the associated grounds for outdoor engagement. In addition, I use the online borrowing resources for audiobooks. 

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 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 world-class 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.

Kelsey Thompson
27510

Jean Hamilton

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May 7, 2026, 10:29:52 AM (6 days ago) May 7
to Johnson Family, ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK
Dear Kelsy Thompson,
 
On behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC), thank you for sharing your viewpoints about the county budget and phasing out the funding for the Chapel Hill Public Library. 
 
We appreciate the feedback as budget season continues with Budget Public Hearings on May 12 and May 28 and Budget Work Sessions on May 14, May 21, May 26, and June 4. These meetings as well as our regular business meetings provide an opportunity for resident to learn about how our county staff and the BOCC address budget choices. There will also be Budget Information Sessions on May 14, May 20, and May 21 for residents to drop in, ask questions of budget staff, and share their perspectives.
 
Sincerely,
Jean
 
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners


From: Johnson Family <johnson.f...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 8:21 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Library Funding
 

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Alyson Hyman

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May 7, 2026, 10:57:54 AM (6 days ago) May 7
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov

Dear Orange County Commissioners,


As a resident of Chapel Hill, 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.


I believe the library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County. From taking my child there when he was a toddler for story time, to checking out books for him now as a middle schooler, as well as for my spouse and me, to my book group getting book bundles, to walking on the trails, and to enjoying the many offerings the library has (like the photo scanning lab which I’ve used to great help), the library is a stalwart in our community. Given the already high taxes in this area, it felt good knowing that we get an excellent library as part of what we’re paying for. 


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 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 world-class 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.


kind regards,


Alyson Hyman
(919) 260-7974 - mobile
1102 Sourwood Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27517



Wil Glenn

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May 8, 2026, 8:26:03 AM (5 days ago) May 8
to Alyson Hyman, ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK

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: Alyson Hyman <alyson...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2026 10:58 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Library Funding

 

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Dear Orange County Commissioners,

mary bozymski

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May 11, 2026, 8:03:22 PM (2 days ago) May 11
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov

Dear Orange County Commissioners,

As a resident of Chapel Hill], 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.

I believe the library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County.

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 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 world-class 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, Mary Bozymski 

Wil Glenn

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May 11, 2026, 8:50:31 PM (2 days ago) May 11
to mary bozymski, ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK

Dear Mary,

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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Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: mary bozymski <mh...@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 8:03 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Library Funding

 

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Dear Orange County Commissioners,

Henry Dieckhaus

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12:34 AM (13 hours ago) 12:34 AM
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov

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. I believe the library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County.


Like many of the students who call Chapel Hill home, I have to get by on a limited budget. The Chapel Hill Public Library has been an essential source of entertainment (books, but also audiobooks and movies), as well as a key study spot and source of research material. More personally, the library gives me a sense of pride as a community member, and I am always excited to bring my friends and family there when they visit. It is an excellent resource that reflects the values of our special community, one that makes me want to remain an Orange County resident for years to come.


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 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 world-class 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,

Henry Dieckhaus

Carrboro, NC 27510


Wil Glenn

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9:57 AM (4 hours ago) 9:57 AM
to Henry Dieckhaus, ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK

Dear Henry,

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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Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: Henry Dieckhaus <henrydi...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 12:34 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Library Funding

 

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 Orange County Commissioners,

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