Funding for Chapel Hill Public Library

[Pat Gaegler]

Dear Board Members,

I am writing to strongly urge you to continue funding the Chapel Hill Public Library.  Libraries are magical places.  Through the books there, I can travel the world, learn something new, or enter the worlds of fictional characters that make me laugh, cry, or just understand others a bit better from my own home.  I am lucky enough that I can afford to buy books if the library’s resources were cut, but there are a lot of people who would lose all of this without access to a well-funded library.

I have friends who live in places where their libraries are better funded, and they have access to more books even faster than we do here.  The Chapel Hill Public Library punches above its weight, and offers a lot for what they have to work with.  But the library needs more funding, not less.

I hope you all will see that the idea of defunding the Chapel Hill Public Library is short-sighted and ill-conceived.  

Patricia Gaegler

3613 Stonegate Drive

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

[Tricia Keller]

Dear Orange County Commissioners, 

As a resident of Orange County, 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 family of four go there multiple times a week - in fact, it's the government service we engage most frequently with, and not just for the books - though we do appreciate their wide selection. We go there for their community events, their outdoor learning program and their fantastic nature trails, and for the wide array of kids programming and services we can't get anywhere else. 

The proposed funding reduction of $621,323 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, 
Tricia Keller
(Dunhill Community, Chapel Hill / Orange County, 27514)

[Stephanie Johnston]

Dear Orange County Commissioners,

I am a Chapel Hill resident and I understand that you are considering phasing out funding for the Chapel Hill library. I know that you are faced with difficult decisions around how to spend our county's funds, but I want to urge you to find a way to continue to support this library.

I bike to the library several times a week, sometimes on the weekend, sometimes on my lunch break, sometimes after work. Every time I walk in the door, I find a vibrant atmosphere filled with students, families, retirees, and other residents making use of this community resource. I'm very  worried about the consequences for this community if the library suddenly loses 72% of its budget. Hours would have to be reduced, limiting access for some of our residents. Staff would have to be cut, reducing the quality of service and programming. Our collections would be impacted, reducing access to materials we depend on.

I have always felt lucky to live in a community with a library that provides so many opportunities for people to come together, to engage, to just enjoy being in a public space dedicated to empowerment through knowledge. I hope you can find a way to continue to fund this vital institution.

Thank you for your service,

Stephanie Johnston

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

[Anna P]

Dear Orange County Commissioners,

As a resident of Chapel Hill in Orange County, 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 family appreciates the library’s long hours, including on Sundays and especially on rainy days.  The book selection, both physically and electronically is vast but it still occasionally does not have titles that interest us - if anything more funding is needed to fill the gaps in the library’s offerings for the 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

Anna Peña 

Sent from my iPhone

[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: Pat Gaegler <patncg...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 12:27 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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.

[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: Tricia Keller <tricia...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:05 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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 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: Stephanie Johnston <step...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 3:50 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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 Orange County Commissioners,

[alex may]

Dear OCBOCC,

I am a longtime resident and taxpayer of Orange County (10 years in Efland + 14 years in Hillsborough), and I urge you to reconsider any plans to cut funding for the Chapel Hill Public Library.

As a family, we have used the Chapel Hill Public Library the entire time we have lived in the county - checking out books for our kids and attending family programs. We believe the library is an essential resource for all county residents and should be fully funded.

I understand part of your rationale is the opening of the Carrboro branch of the Orange County Library, but that branch does not have the space or collection size to offset what is offered at Chapel Hill Public Library, and it would be a real disservice to the community to reduce funding for the library that many of us use most frequently.

Please reconsider this idea, and continue to fund Chapel Hill Public Library as part of the budget going forward.

Thank you,

Alex May and family

4231 New Hope Springs Drive

Hillsborough, NC

[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: Anna P <ann...@mail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 4:04 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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 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: alex may <dreadpi...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:24 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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 OCBOCC,

[Francine Stephenson]

To: Orange County Commissioners

From: Francine J. Stephenson

211 Providence Glen Drive

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

May 10, 2026

As a new resident of Chapel Hill, I am writing to express my concern about the proposed phase-out of funding for Chapel Hill Public Library. I strongly urge you to vote to continue to fund the library.

Last fall when I was planning to move from Clayton to downsized housing, there were two main reasons for my choosing this area in Chapel Hill — proximity to my daughter and granddaughter and the wonderful resource I had already experienced at the Chapel Hill Public Library.

“What a gem!” I commented. And that was before I even moved here. Now every few days I go to browse, check out books, do research, and review activities and resources specific to Chapel Hill. 

This library is an essential resource to the community. Have you personally noticed how much it is used? Sometimes, I have to circle the parking area repeatedly to find a parking space. And the patrons are all ages from 2 or 3 up to 80 and 90! Please pay attention to the use that is being made of this precious resource. 

Cutting the library funding would affect me personally. As I understand, the proposed funding is a reduction of $621,323, which would have a significant impact on library services. I am one of around 15,000 county residents who would have to pay for an account or significantly lose access to this valuable resource. 

My approval of life in Chapel Hill would be drastically reduced if you cut out the wonderful services of this library, which is my main attraction to the community after my family!

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 Orange county.

Thank you for your time and for your service to my new community. 

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Francine,

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: Francine Stephenson <francine....@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:25 AM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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.

 

To: Orange County Commissioners

[Jen Slajus]

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. 

I strongly believe the library is an essential resource in our community, for all residents of Orange County. The Chapel Hill Public Library is an integral 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 husband 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. 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, 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,  

Jen Slajus

309 Bolin Forest Dr.

Carrboro, NC  27510

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Jen,

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: Jen Slajus <jen.s...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 6:18 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Funding for Chapel Hill Public 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 Orange County Commissioners, 

[Jan Summers]

Dear Commissioners,

After receiving and reading the response email from Mr. Glenn, I visited the Carrboro branch of the Orange County Public Library system. I had not visited it before because many friends and acquaintances had given it a negative review. As mentioned in my earlier email, I am a frequent visitor to the Chapel Hill branch and have found it to be the perfect library.

I found the Carrboro branch building to be architecturally pleasing for an in-town branch. However, I found the library itself lacking in the qualities libraries are meant to offer. All the main aspects that support perusing the stacks and reading are in one open room, with nothing to help absorb the noise from group activities taking place. As the floor plan is offered now, even with financial input, the space for books for each section and genre will not compare to a well thought-out, well-stocked library (like the Chapel Hill branch), and what would be expected for a focal branch. It also lacks the beautiful setting and views of the Chapel Hill branch, which is what attracts so many residents.

I also scanned the budget linked to Mr. Glenn's email. Defunding an exemplar library like the Chapel Hill Public Library to such an extent to fund another branch (instead of having funds available presently or in the near future to separately fund a new branch) doesn't make sense. Parking as it is now will prove to be a problem in the future as more local construction brings more people into town. Today, I got one of the last parking places in the garage, and public parking in Carrboro is known to be difficult already. With the two lots at Chapel Hill close to the building, I have never had a problem finding plenty of parking, even when multiple group activities take place.

Overall, it seems like this is an extreme approach that could instead be studied with the aim of building up the Carrboro branch over time without devastating the Chapel Hill branch. And even though the information says the county is giving the Chapel Hill branch enough time to find other sources, the substantial amount of the defunding over two years does not allow for a reasonable recovery time.

It will be a sad reflection if county residents have to pay for a card for a library in the county (because of funding cuts), and a branch should not have to decrease the seven days it is open (because of funding cuts). Residents would be better served if the goal was to offer library branches that complement the Chapel Hill branch, not reduce its quality and availability of services.

Thank you for your time and commitment to Orange County's residents and needs.

Sincerely,

Jan Summers

27510