Please continue county funding for CH Public Library

[Malinda Faber]

Hello!

I understand funding challenges are real, but I am urging you to look for another solution to this problem. Are there fees that can be charged to out of county library users, or other ways to generate funds for the library while allowing county residents to maintain library access. 

I live in the county but use the CH Library regularly. I take all 3 of my young children there - I just took them there last week and they were thrilled. They had so much fun, got stacks of books, have been reading ever since and 2 of them said, "Mom, I love the library!" I also ran into 1 old friend, 1 mom from our elementary school and had nice conversation. Plus I am in a book club that is one of my favorite hobbies and I go to the library once a month to check out a book for myself, and have occasionally used it as a place to work outside my house. I used to take my toddler to story and it was so good for his development, seeing other children, families, teachers, singing, language, books. And it was great for me as a mom to get out of the house and have a place to go with other people and very young children. With fewer and fewer spaces in our communities where we can meet, socialize, build socializing around, and places that encourage DEEP READING which kids DESPERATELY need these days, reducing library support and losing access is a loss in MANY ways - a loss of community, a loss of social connection, and a loss of access to books and deep reading and stories, passing this on to children in a COMMUNAL way (they see other people reading, not just their parents) and all the cultural transmission that happens in that process. 

Please find another way to solve this funding challenge - look for creative solutions - and keep county support of the CH Library and access for county residents.

Sincerely,

Malinda Faber

308 Sunset Creek Circle 

Chapel Hill 

[Wil Glenn]

Dear Malinda,

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: Malinda Faber <malind...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 1:43 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Please continue county funding for CH Public Library

 

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[Malinda Faber]

Received. Thank you for this helpful information. I hope you will pass on to decisionmakers my concerns and thoughts.

Thank you,

Malinda