de-funding of the Chapel Hill Public Libray

[Mark Christopulos]

Dear Orange County Commissioners, 

As a resident of Carrboro, I am writing to express my deep 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 Chapel Hill Public Library is an essential resource in our community, and an important part of my personal life:  I depend on it for access to vital printed matter -- both books and magazines -- that enrich my life, expand my horizons, and provide educational resources that I would not be able to afford otherwise. My wife and I visit the library at least weekly and relish our walk through the trees from the lower parking lot along the trail in back of the library, passing the native plant garden along the way. We've attended the book sales and community meetings in its public spaces. When my office internet or water supply are disrupted, I rely on it to provide valuable work space. We love watching kids spend many minutes returning bags and bags of books via the inside book deposits. It is also very heartening to see middle-school and high-school aged children using the study space and printed and digital resources. This library is a treasure and one of the reasons we settled in the area. I know I am not alone in how much I value CHPL.

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 -- even catastrophic --impact on library services, including hours, acquisitions, 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 realize part of the thinking is that the county spent a lot of money on the Carrboro Orange County branch, but to my mind, that isn't really a library. Why? There are hardly any books in it! To my mind, a worthy library has an a formidable collection that you can browse -- and the CHPL has just that.

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,  

Mark Christopulos

309 Bolin Forest Drive

Carrboro

North Carolina

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Mark,

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: Mark Christopulos <markchri...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 1:53 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: de-funding of the Chapel Hill Public Libray

 

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