Friday, April 30, 2010

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Officials Ask Local Municipalities for $3 Million Contribution


Link to April 30 Charlotte Observer article, "Library taps city, towns for funds".

Excerpt: The cash-strapped library system has come up with a new idea for easing a possible $17 million cut in county money for next year: Ask local municipalities to help make up some of the difference.

But some leaders from the cities and towns say that while they want to help the libraries, it will be very difficult - if not impossible - to come up with the $3 million Charlotte Mecklenburg Library officials have pitched.

Many are facing their own money problems, and appear leery to take on what might be a multi-year financial commitment. Plus, many already are well into their budget deliberations for next year
.

[snip]

Mecklenburg County has told the library system to expect up to a 50percent cut in county money next year. Library leaders said a cut that large would lead to layoffs, branch closures and possibly reduced hours, among other changes.

Related articles:
Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

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