Chapel Hill Public Library Funding

[Adele Harris]

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.

I have lived in Chapel Hill my entire life, and have loved the library since I was a young girl. From reading logs during elementary school to doing winter bingo this past year, the library has been a constant in my life and has fostered a love for learning and reading. I would hate to see how the reduced funding would impact Chapel Hill’s future generations of learners, and it would mean a lot to me for funding to continue at its current level to ensure the library continues to be a resource for all Chapel Hill patrons.

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,
Alice Harris
992 Cleland Drive, 27517

[Leigh Taylor Jose]

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.

As a mother of a preschooler, I know firsthand the importance of both library programming and access to books for growing minds. It truly pains me to think of access to these resources being limited and not available to all. 

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,

Leigh Jose

Zip code 27514

[Amelia Brown]

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. My daughter and I have been frequenting the library since she was a toddler when we first moved to the area, and it is a critical resource for us and many like us. 

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,

Amelia Brown

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

[Hai Ly Chadwick]

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. As a child, my best memory is walking out of the library, holding a mountain of books and spending hours a day reading them, totally invested. As an adult, walking into the Chapel Hill Public Library immediately brought back that nostalgia and made me want to read again, something I've lost the time and motivation to do since starting college. I very recently joined the library as a member, but I've already checked out 10+ books and finished 4. It renewed my desire to read. With how online children these days are, I especially think it's important for them to have a place to expand their minds and get off their phones. 

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,

Hai Ly Chadwick 

27514

[Taylor Raffield]

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 Chapel Hill Public Library is an invaluable resource to families in the area. It is not just a place to find books to read, but is a community hub for the whole town and the surrounding county. It is heavily utilized for community clubs, family movie nights, story times, political group meetings, board game parties, after school studying, and so much more.

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. 

In addition, those of us who live in Chapel Hill are also residents of Orange County, and pay taxes to the county to fund programs like public libraries. Cutting county funding to the Chapel Hill Public Library would simply show that you don't care about roughly 40% of the population of the county you govern. How is it that residents of Chapel Hill should lose access to other Orange County librarires that we help pay for, while residents of surrounding counties do not currently have to pay for their use? Why is it a good idea for other residents of Orange County to lose access to the Chapel Hill Public Library? The Chapel Hill Public Library is  one of the most successful libraries, not just in the county, but in the entire state. It has the highest circulation per capita in the state, is number two in the state for library visits per capita, and is number five in the state for total registered users per capita (data from Library of NC for 2024). Why would you look at an incredibly successful and loved program and decide to gut its funding? In your budget proposal you say that it is no longer needed because the Carrboro branch is doing well. That's true, the Carrboro branch is doing well. It has 10,000 visitors per month. However, your own data shows that almost a third of those visitors are residents of Chapel Hill. Only 15% come from outside of Chapel Hill or Carrboro. In addition, the Chapel Hill library has over 30,000 visitors per month (Library of NC, 2024), and the usage of the library has not declined since the opening of the Carrboro branch. The town and the county are both growing, so having more properly funded libraries is a great asset to the community as a whole.

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. Cutting the funding would be incredibly short sited for the town and the county.

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

Sincerely, 

Taylor Raffield

56 Cedar Hills Circle

Chapel Hill, NC, 27514

[Fred Stang]

Dear Commissoners:

 

To me our system of community colleges and our system of public libraries represent two of our most democratic institutions. They are open to everyone and they are built for self improvement and enlightenment and I and my family from benefitted from both. 

 

It has come to my attention that you are considering weakening the Chapel Hill Public Library through significant cuts. Slashes in support for one of our region's premier institutions would affect thousands of your constituents in both the county and Chapel Hill. County residents currently can access the Chapel Hill Library free of charge. That would certainly change if you enact the proposed cuts.

 

I don't envy your position. Orange County, like many of NC's other counties, is being squeezed from all sides. Budget cuts at the state and federal level have local impacts and you are our leaders elected to deal with the mess others create. I hope in your wisdom you find ways to create savings while still providing for the most in need and vulnerable in our communities without losing sight of the power of this most democratic of our institutions. A strong, free, accessible and viable Chapel Hill Public Library is an asset benefitting everyone.

 

Thank you.

 

Fred Stang

218 Barclay Rd.

Chapel Hill

--

Fred Stang

Of Counsel

919.360.0104

moss+ross

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[Jean Hamilton]

Dear Adele Harris,

 

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: Adele Harris <harrisa...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:06 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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.

[Jean Hamilton]

Dear Leigh Jose,

 

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: Leigh Taylor Jose <leight...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:51 PM

To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[Jean Hamilton]

Dear Amelia Brown,

 

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: Amelia Brown <agrac...@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:56 PM

To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[Jane Hawkins]

Dear Orange County Commissioners,

 

I am writing as a 39-year Chapel Hill resident to state my objection to the current proposal to reduce the county level of support for the Chapel Hill Library to $0 over the next two years. 

 

The library is a valuable asset to the community, one that my neighbors and I use frequently.   It is walking distance to at least 7 apartment complexes, 4 of the largest ones recently built, as well as to many neighborhoods in Chapel Hill.  It is accessible by foot from several directions, and by car and bus with its large, dedicated parking lot, making it an extremely useful resource for the county.  The library in Carrboro is quite difficult to reach by car or bus from the area around the Chapel Hill library, and I would not be motivated to use any public library if this one were to close due to lack of funding since I generally walk there.  With the increased population density within walking distance, it has become more useful each year, while still leaving plenty of parking for others who do not live as close.

 

The Chapel Hill Library is an important learning and community center for the town of Chapel Hill and the county. The library services are vast and user friendly, and it is open for free use by all in the county. Cutting the county funding is like saying that you don't need this service for all county residents, even though over 14,000 county residents use the library but don't live in Chapel Hill. I hate to think about how the reduced funding would impact Chapel Hill’s and Orange County’s future generations of learners.

 

A cut of the size proposed would materially affect the library, the services it provides, and the cost to use those services. This will require a fee for non-Chapel Hill Orange County residents which will hit their pocketbook or will cause them to not have access to the services. But worse, it creates a divide in our community based on where people live in our broader community. 

 

I urge you to not make this decision and to keep the support of the library at its current rate, which has not changed in many years even though inflation has effectively decreased it every year.

I respectfully ask that you reconsider this proposal and continue funding Chapel Hill Public Library, 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,

Jane Hawkins, 

Chapel Hill,  27514

[James and Ioana]

To Whom It May Concern,

Please see attached plea regarding the proposed budget for the Library.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
ioana

[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

 

Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: Hai Ly Chadwick <chadwi...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11:58 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[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

 

Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: Taylor Raffield <traf...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:11 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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, 

[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

 

Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

 

From: Fred Stang <fst...@mossandross.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 5:51 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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 Commissoners:

[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

Sign up for Orange County News and Updates.

-----Original Message-----
From: James and Ioana <jamesio...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2026 2:59 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public Library Funding
Importance: High

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.

[Christine Annand]

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 Chapel Hill Public Library is an incredible resource and source of joy for our family. We are there at least once a month, with our children combing the excellent children’s section and leaving with stacks of books. They also research in the nonfiction section and dig through the newspapers and magazines. My husband and I also make use of the philandering online collections and truly appreciate the thoughtful curation from the librarians. One of the best features of CHPL is the depth of its onsite  offerings, something that is unfortunately severely lacking at the Orange County Carrboro branch library, which appears to function as a very limited branch and as an event space. I am very concerned that funding cuts will lead to a significant reduction in the heart of the library’s mission, if there are more limited hours (including cuts to Sunday hours which are important to us for access) and to the ability to curate great books. 

The programming at CHPL, particularly the reading contests, movie nights and other children’s events are also a wonderful and appreciated feature for our family and the community. It seems that the cuts would definitely, dramatically cut these services, which will be a significant negative impact to the quality of life in Chapel Hill and something that makes this town attractive to families. 

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,

Christine Annand

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Christine,

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: Christine Annand <christin...@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 9, 2026 6:42 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[angela b]

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.

My life as a resident of Orange County has been enriched by Chapel Hill Public Library and its collections, programming, and beautiful spaces. The staff are always helpful and responsive, and I can always find things to read and listen to. In addition to learning new skills and important information about our community, I have met neighbors and new friends at the programs and events held in the library. We are so lucky to have this resource.

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,

Angela Bardeen

226 Forbush Mountain Drive, 27514

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Angela,

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: angela b <alba...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 1:40 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[Elizabeth Valsing]

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 for all residents of Orange County. 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. 

--

Eli Valsing
eliva...@gmail.com
919-967-6587

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Eli,

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: Elizabeth Valsing <eliva...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 8:23 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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, 

[Nolan Peterson]

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.  

I have been using the library since my childhood, and have many fond memories about it, including checking out what would become some of my favorite books and finding copies of movies I would not be able to get elsewhere.  There are many great experiences I could list about this place, from spending time on the old computers to locating copies of religious texts I wanted to learn about, which I think have served both my family and the broader Chapel Hill community well in its purpose of making the ability to read accessible to all people in our town.

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 ChapelHill 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,

Nolan Peterson

137 Windsor Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Nolan,

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: Nolan Peterson <light...@icloud.com>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 11:05 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[Nina Murphy Youmans]

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.

On a personal note, my children and I have accessed useful information about the area when we moved here, and also books appropriate for my kids’ ages and reading levels at the library. 

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, 

Nina Youmans 

Zip code 27516  

Sent from my iPhone

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Nina,

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: Nina Murphy Youmans <ninamy...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:03 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,

[Isabel Fargo]

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,

Isabel Fargo

27516

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Isabel,

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: Isabel Fargo <isabel....@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 2:01 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Chapel Hill Public 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,